China has strongly criticized the United States for altering language on its State Department website regarding Taiwan’s status, calling on Washington to “correct its mistakes.” The move has further strained relations between the two superpowers, as Beijing continues to assert its claim over the self-ruled island.
Last week, the U.S. State Department quietly removed a key statement from its fact sheet on Taiwan, eliminating the line: “We do not support Taiwan independence.” While Washington does not officially recognize Taiwan as a separate country, it remains the island’s most crucial security partner.
Taipei welcomed the change, describing it as a “positive and friendly” gesture. The American Institute in Taiwan—Washington’s de facto embassy—downplayed the significance of the edit, calling it a “routine update.“
However, the language surrounding U.S.-Taiwan relations is highly sensitive, and Beijing was quick to respond with strong opposition.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused the U.S. of emboldening pro-independence forces on the island, warning that such actions threaten peace in the Taiwan Strait.
“This sends seriously wrong signals to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and will only damage peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” spokesperson Zhu Fenglian stated.
Beijing reiterated its long-standing position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.“No matter how much Taiwan and the U.S. collude and scheme with each other, they will never be able to change the fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is a part of it,” Zhu added.
China has increased pressure on Taiwan in recent years, using diplomatic and military tactics to isolate the island. It has lured away several of Taiwan’s political allies and conducted large-scale military exercises near its shores, demonstrating its military capability and resolve.
The situation is further complicated by the return of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has taken a more transactional approach to international relations. Trump has unsettled both Beijing and Taipei by suggesting that Taiwan should pay the U.S. for protection while also blaming the island for issues in America’s semiconductor industry.