Washington, Feb 17, (V7N) - The U.S. State Department has made significant changes to its website regarding Taiwan, removing the previous statement that it does not support Taiwan's independence. This change has been praised by the Taiwanese government, which views it as a positive shift in U.S.-Taiwan relations.
 
While the update does not explicitly support Taiwan's independence, it emphasizes U.S. opposition to any unilateral actions by either Taiwan or China, which claims the island as part of its territory. The revised statement maintains that the U.S. expects cross-strait differences to be resolved peacefully and without coercion. It also notes that the U.S. will support Taiwan's participation in international organizations where applicable, and highlights Taiwan’s cooperation with the U.S. on key projects such as semiconductor development and Pentagon technology initiatives.
 
In response, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed approval of the changes, welcoming the U.S.'s positive stance on Taiwan. This move is seen as a shift toward deeper engagement, as Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and insists that only the island’s people can decide its future.
 
The United States does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is its strongest international supporter, legally committed to providing Taiwan with means to defend itself. The U.S. has a policy of strategic ambiguity, meaning it does not explicitly support Taiwan's independence but also does not recognize China's claim to sovereignty over Taiwan.
 
This change comes amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing intensifying military pressure on the island. The U.S. has continued to show support for Taiwan, with recent actions including U.S. Navy ships passing through the Taiwan Strait for the first time since President Donald Trump's inauguration. Taiwan also reported the passage of a Canadian warship through the strait.
 
China has condemned foreign support for Taiwan, calling it a violation of its sovereignty. The country's military has carried out nearly daily operations near Taiwan, including air and naval patrols. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that on Sunday, 24 Chinese military aircraft participated in joint combat readiness patrols around the island.
 
The changes to the U.S. State Department’s website are significant in the context of the ongoing tensions and diplomatic complexities surrounding Taiwan’s status. The removal of the statement denying support for Taiwan’s independence signals a shift in U.S. policy, potentially influencing future interactions in the region. However, it remains to be seen whether this will have broader implications for U.S.-China relations, as Beijing continues to assert its position on Taiwan.
 
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