U.S. State Department Removes Website Wording on Not Supporting Taiwan Independence
On February 13, the U.S. State Department updated its website’s fact sheet on U.S.-Taiwan relations, removing a statement that the U.S. does not support Taiwan independence — one of several changes the Taiwanese government welcomed as supportive of Taiwan.
The fact sheet’s May 28, 2022, version previously stated: “We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side; we do not support Taiwan independence; and we expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means.”
However, in the updated version released on February 13, 2025, the phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence” was removed.
The updated paragraph now reads: “We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side. We expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, free from coercion, in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the [Taiwan] Strait.”
The latest version of the Taiwan fact sheet added a reference to the first agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade and highlighted Taiwan’s cooperation with the U.S. in technology and semiconductor development. It also updated the U.S. approach to supporting Taiwan’s international participation.
The “Taiwan’s Role in the International Community” section previously stated that the U.S. “will continue to support Taiwan’s membership in international organizations where statehood is not a requirement and encourage Taiwan’s meaningful participation in organizations where its membership is not possible.”
The updated version removed the mention of statehood requirements, saying only that the U.S. “will continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including membership where applicable.”
Despite these changes, the latest version of the fact sheet still reiterated the U.S.’ “One China policy,” guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances to Taiwan.
Since ending official relations with Taiwan and establishing diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1979, the U.S. government has consistently reiterated that the U.S. does not support Taiwan independence.
The last time the State Department website’s Taiwan fact sheet removed the statement that the U.S. does not support Taiwan independence was on May 5, 2022, during the administration of then-U.S. president Joe Biden. However, the phrase was reinstated about a month later following protests from the PRC, which considers Taiwan as part of its territory.
In Taipei, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on February 16, 2025, quoted Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung as expressing gratitude to the U.S. State Department for reaffirming support for Taiwan through its latest fact sheet updates, which included “positive, Taiwan-friendly wording.”
Minister Lin thanked U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration for upholding the Taiwan Relations Act and Six Assurances to help Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities, economic and societal resilience, and cross-Strait peace and stability.
MOFA said that the U.S. had emphasized enhancing bilateral economic and trade partnerships and Taiwan’s international participation with the fact sheet updates.
References:
[1] U.S. State Department (Taiwan Fact Sheet – Previous Ver.)
[2] U.S. State Department (Taiwan Fact Sheet – Updated Ver.)
[3] Focus Taiwan
[4] Taipei Times
U.S., Japan, S. Korea Highlight Taiwan Strait Peace at Munich Meeting
On February 15, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul reaffirmed their support for peace across the Taiwan Strait following a trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
This marked their first meeting since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Following the meeting, the U.S. Department of State released a “Joint Statement on the Trilateral United States – Japan – Republic of Korea Meeting in Munich.”
The statement noted that the Secretary and Foreign Ministers “emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community.”
“They encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and opposed any attempts to unilaterally force or coerce changes to the status quo,” the statement continued, adding that they “expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.”
Rubio, Iwaya, and Cho also “emphasized their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and ensuring international law prevails.”
The top diplomats further “reaffirmed their commitment to upholding shared principles, including respect for democracy, sovereignty, and the rule of law.”
“The Secretary and Foreign Ministers made clear they stand shoulder to shoulder against any effort to destabilize democratic institutions, economic independence, and global security,” the statement added.
References:
[1] U.S. State Department (Full Statement)
[2] Focus Taiwan
[3] Taipei Times
Canadian Warship Transits Taiwan Strait
A Canadian patrol frigate transited the Taiwan Strait on February 16, just days after two U.S. warships passed through the Strait, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said. The ministry identified the vessel as the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa.
This marked the first Taiwan Strait transit by a Canadian warship this year and the sixth since Canada launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2022, MOFA noted, thanking Canada for taking concrete actions to safeguard freedom of navigation, peace, and openness of the Strait.
The ministry added that the transit demonstrated Canada’s firm stance to maintain the Taiwan Strait’s legal status as international waters and its commitment to upholding peace and stability in the Strait.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), the Canadian frigate sailed through the Taiwan Strait from south to north, with Taiwan’s armed forces maintaining full control over the surrounding sea and airspace.
Taiwanese media reported that during the Canadian warship’s passage, China’s military radioed the vessel, warning it to change course.
The U.S. and its allies regularly pass through the 180km-wide Taiwan Strait to reinforce its status as an international waterway.
