China has urged the US to “correct its mistakes” after the State Department removed previous phrasing on its website about not supporting independence for Taiwan. Washington has described the change as part of a routine update.
In the reported change to the “fact sheet” on the self-governing Chinese island made on Thursday, the State Department dropped a statement that previously included the phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence.”
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory under its One-China principle, and insists on eventual reunification, including by force if necessary. It has repeatedly opposed any foreign interference on the issue, including US arms sales to Taiwan, viewing them as a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to regional stability.
In addition, the updated fact sheet highlighted Taipei’s collaboration with the Pentagon on technology and semiconductor projects. It also affirmed US support for the island’s participation in international organizations “where applicable,” dropping the words “where statehood is not a requirement.”
Speaking at a regular briefing in Beijing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described the revisions as a “big step backwards” that “sends a seriously wrong message to Taiwan independence separatist forces.”
Guo stated that the move severely violated the One-China principle, adding that the US State Department has “gravely backpedaled” on its position on Taiwan-related issues.
“This is yet another example of the United States’ stubborn adherence to the erroneous policy of ‘using Taiwan to suppress China’. We urge the United States side to immediately rectify its mistakes,” Guo said.
While the US officially adheres to the One-China policy, it has continued to supply arms to Taiwan and engage in military cooperation with the government in Taipei.
“As is routine, the fact sheet was updated to inform the general public about our unofficial relationship with Taiwan,” a State Department spokesperson told Reuters, adding that Washington “remains committed to its One-China policy.”
“We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side,” the spokesperson said.
Taiwan has governed itself since 1949, when nationalist forces retreated to the island after losing China’s civil war. Only a handful of nations currently recognize the island’s sovereignty, and most of the world, including Russia, adheres to Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China.
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