US Updates Taiwan Policy Fact Sheet, Removing Opposition to Independence

The U.S. State Department has made a routine update to its Taiwan policy fact sheet, notably removing the statement that it does not support Taiwan's formal independence. The revised page maintains U.S. opposition to unilateral changes by either Taiwan or China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.

The updated fact sheet, published last week, highlights Taiwan's collaboration with the Pentagon on technology and semiconductor development and supports Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations “where applicable.” This change comes three weeks after President Donald Trump began his second term.

While the U.S. has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it remains the island’s strongest international supporter, legally bound to provide defense assistance. A State Department spokesperson reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to its one China policy, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and supporting peaceful cross-Strait dialogue.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung welcomed the U.S.’s updated stance and continued support. Taiwan rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, asserting that only its people can determine their future. Taiwan identifies itself as an independent country under the official name Republic of China, established when the Republican government fled to the island in 1949 after losing the civil war to Mao Zedong's communists.

China’s foreign ministry has yet to respond to the updated fact sheet.