International Analysis

Is U.S. Shifting in Favor of Taiwan?

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Does a change of wording by the U.S. on its Taiwan fact sheet indicate a shift in favor of Taiwan, or should we read less into it? A statement that the U.S. “does not support Taiwan independence” has been removed from the State Department website. Furthermore, the fact sheet previously said: “We expect cross-strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means." Now it adds to that: “...free from coercion, in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the strait.” Beijing has criticized the changes as a "regression." Our guests: Chong Ja Ian - National University of Singapore Department of Political Science Associate Professor Wen-ti Sung - Atlantic Council Global China Hub Non-Resident Fellow