America’s approach to Taiwan under President Trump is setting the stage for a new era in international relations. Let’s dive into three pivotal points that illuminate the administration’s stance and what it means for Taiwan, China, and the rest of the world.
Though these developments have managed to fly under the radar for many, China’s stern response signals their importance.
Traditionally, U.S.–Taiwan relations were shaped by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, further defined by three U.S.–China communiqués and six assurances offered to Taiwan. The “One China” policy emerged from the first U.S.-China communiqué in 1972, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio is now paving the way for a fresh direction.
China’s New Name: ‘China’
The U.S. State Department has made a noteworthy change in terminology within the “[U.S. Relations With China]” fact sheet, opting not to use “People’s Republic of China.” This strategic shift aims to redefine international terminology and reflect the Trump administration’s intent.
In response, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, criticized the U.S. for “denigrating China’s foreign policy and advocating so-called strategic competition.”
The fact sheet clarifies: “The United States will address its relationship with China under the principles of reciprocity and fairness. The United States works to deter China’s aggression, combat China’s unfair trade policies, counter China’s malicious cyber activity, end China’s global trafficking of fentanyl precursors, mitigate China’s manipulation of international organizations, and promote accountability for China’s violations of human rights within China and around the globe.”
A State Department spokesperson explained the name change, saying: “The United States recognizes the People’s Republic of China (PRC), while also noting many know the country colloquially simply as ‘China.’ This administration is focused on public messaging that is clear and relevant.”
The U.S. Position on Taiwan’s Independence
Historically, U.S. policy included a statement against Taiwan’s independence, aligning with the Three Communiqués. Notably, this language is now absent in the “[U.S. Relations With Taiwan]” fact sheet.
Zhu Fenglian from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office remarked that this shift “will only damage peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
The fact sheet introduces a bold statement: The United States “will continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including membership where applicable.” This indicates potential backing for Taiwan’s inclusion in entities like the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
The State Department has yet to comment on whether they encourage Taiwan to rebrand itself from “Republic of China” to “Republic of Taiwan,” a move that might settle the question of “which China is which.”
Unfreezing the $1 Billion Defense Aid to Taiwan
Amidst various foreign aid reviews and delays, military support for Taiwan has been prioritized, with $1 billion in aid now released. A significant portion is directed toward enhancing command, control, communications, and intelligence capabilities, notably through the Link 16 data link system, which allows Taiwanese weaponry to integrate seamlessly with U.S. and allied systems.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressed concern, noting that U.S. military support for Taiwan “severely violated the one-China principle and the three China–U.S. joint communiqués.”
The reference to the Three Communiqués underscores the widening gap in interpretation, and Trump’s administration is clearly shifting U.S. policy in a transformative direction.
The perspectives shared here reflect personal opinions and do not represent any official stance of organizations.
