US Revises Taiwan Independence Wording on State Department Website

The US Department of State has made notable alterations to its webpage on Taiwan by removing the explicit declaration that it does not support Taiwan independence. Instead, the updated fact sheet highlights its longstanding opposition to any unilateral change by either China or Taiwan regarding the island's status, while emphasizing Taiwan’s cooperation in Pentagon technology and semiconductor projects. Additionally, the page now states that the United States will back Taiwan’s membership in international organizations when applicable, reflecting a careful recalibration of its stance.

Taiwan’s government has responded positively to these changes, praising the updated language as a sign of enhanced support for the island. Taiwan’s foreign ministry noted the revised phrasing, which follows a previous removal and subsequent reinstatement of the phrase in 2022, as a constructive development in US–Taiwan relations.

The backdrop of these adjustments includes a broader context of evolving international and regional dynamics. While the United States remains Taiwan’s strongest supporter and is legally bound to help the island defend itself, it continues to navigate the sensitive issue of formal diplomatic ties given Beijing’s insistence on Taiwan being a part of China. The adjustments come at a time when Taiwan is contending with increasing military pressure from China, including regular incursions by Chinese aircraft and warships, and recent naval movements by both US and Canadian ships through the Taiwan Strait add further complexity to the regional security landscape.