Citing a 'routine' update, US removes reference to Taiwan independence on website
CNBCFEB 19
US Amends Wording on Taiwan Independence
Above: Taiwanese and American flags in Taipei, Taiwan, on Feb. 22, 2024. Image copyright: I-Hwa Cheng/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
The updated fact sheet reflects the strengthening of the US-Taiwan partnership and Washington's commitment to peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. Such changes demonstrate American support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations and acknowledge the island's crucial role in global technology supply chains.
Pro-China narrative
This modification is yet another example of the US' misguided policy of using Taiwan to suppress China. Such changes violate previous diplomatic commitments and threaten stability in the Taiwan Strait, as Taiwan remains an internal matter for China that warrants no external interference.