U.S.-Taiwan relations

The U.S. State Department updated its factsheet on Taiwan, removing the statement that the U.S. "does not support Taiwan independence." The update also mentioned that the U.S. will support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations where applicable. China strongly opposed this change, calling it a “serious regression” in U.S. policy and an “erroneous message” to pro-independence forces in Taiwan.

What is U.S. Policy on Taiwan?

• After the Chinese Civil War (1949), two governments claimed legitimacy:
  • People’s Republic of China (PRC) – controlled the mainland.
  • Republic of China (ROC) – fled to Taiwan.
• The U.S. initially recognized ROC (Taiwan) as the legitimate government of China.
• S.-China Rapprochement & "One China" Policy (1972-1979): U.S. President Richard Nixon visited China, leading to the Shanghai Communiqué: The U.S. acknowledged that both PRC and ROC agree there is “One China.” The U.S. agreed not to challenge this stance and left the dispute to the Chinese.
• 1979: The U.S. switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan (ROC) to China (PRC). However, it pledged to maintain "cultural, commercial, and unofficial relations" with Taiwan.
• Today, the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), 1979, governs U.S.-Taiwan relations.
• Key Provisions:
  • The U.S. will maintain close economic, cultural, and security ties with Taiwan.
  • The U.S. will supply Taiwan with defensive weapons to ensure its self-defense.
• As a result, regular arms sales from the U.S. to Taiwan continue, angering China.
• Taiwan operates in the U.S. through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) while the U.S. has the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

China’s Response and Rising Tensions

• China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province and wants unification, by force if necessary.
• Chinese Aggression in the Taiwan Strait:
  • Military Exercises: China regularly conducts military drills near Taiwan.
  • Cyberattacks & Spy Balloons: Used to increase pressure on Taiwan.
  • Diplomatic Isolation: Under China’s influence, Taiwan has lost many diplomatic allies; only 12 countries now recognize Taiwan.
• 2024 Taiwan Elections:
  • The elections took place amid heavy Chinese military pressure in the Taiwan Strait.
  • The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which supports Taiwan’s sovereignty, has a tense relationship with China.

Why Taiwan Matters?

• Taiwan sits in an important position in the world’s most economically consequential region. 
  • Taiwan is located at a critical node within the first island chain, anchoring a network of U.S. allies and partners, stretching from the Japanese archipelago down to the Philippines and into the South China Sea, that is critical to the region’s security and critical to the defense of vital U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific.
• For China (Beijing & Xi Jinping): Taiwan is a core issue of national reunification and national rejuvenation.
• For the U.S.: Taiwan is a key semiconductor hub (TSMC produces over 50% of the world’s advanced chips).
  • It is also a major buyer of U.S. weapons.
• For Taiwan: It faces a military and diplomatic threat from China and depends on S. support for its defense and economy.

India's stance on the status of Taiwan:

• India has followed a “One China policy”since it recognized the PRC in 1949, and only maintains trade and cultural relations with Taiwan.
• India has an office in Taipei for diplomatic functions — India-Taipei Association (ITA) is headed by a senior diplomat. Taiwan has the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in New Delhi.
• The India-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Forum, established in 2016, is rarely active, and parliamentary visits are largely ad hoc.