An online U.S. State Department factsheet on U.S.-Taiwan relations has removed
a part that expressed US opposition to Taiwan independence. It also removed the section that said the US acknowledged China’s position “on Taiwan being a part of China”.
The document now starts by calling Taiwan a “leading democracy and a technological powerhouse” and a “key US partner in the Indo-Pacific.” It also says that it encourages a peaceful resolution to differences between Taipei and Beijing that is "consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people on Taiwan."
Records show that the changes were made as early as May 3, the last day the page was updated.
In response, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanna Ou said on Tuesday that U.S. policy towards Taiwan has not changed. She added that U.S. commitment to Taiwan is “rock solid,” and continues to be based on the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the six assurances.
The TRA commits Washington to giving Taiwan “arms of a defensive character” while maintaining its own ability to resist “any resort to force” against Taiwan.
American Institute of Taiwan (AIT) spokesman Ed Dunn said that the United States’ “One China Policy” has always been guided by the TRA and other promises. He added that the U.S. is committed to the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and maintaining stability in the region.