U.S. Alters Taiwan Policy Language, Omits Non-Support for Independence

The U.S. State Department has updated its Taiwan fact sheet, removing a statement that the United States "does not support Taiwan independence," a change welcomed by Taiwan's government.

The revised page maintains Washington's opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by either Taiwan or China, which claims the self-governed island as its own. Additionally, the update highlights Taiwan's cooperation with the Pentagon on technology and semiconductor development and reaffirms U.S. support for Taiwan’s membership in international organizations “where applicable.”

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung praised the update as a positive step for U.S.-Taiwan relations. Meanwhile, China has not officially responded, but Beijing has consistently opposed any moves that suggest international recognition of Taiwan.

The policy shift comes as tensions in the Taiwan Strait remain high, with Taiwan reporting increased Chinese military activity near its territory, including joint air and naval patrols. The U.S. Navy and a Canadian warship also transited the strait in recent days, underscoring ongoing geopolitical frictions in the region.

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