China: US position on Taiwan issues has 'regressed'

The United States' position on Taiwan-related issues has "seriously regressed", the Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson said on Monday (February 17), after the U.S. State Department's removal of a reference to Taiwan's independence in an update last week to the Taiwan section of its website.

“We urge the U.S. side to correct its mistake immediately, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said.

The U.S. State Department removed a statement on its website that said it does not support Taiwan's independence. 

The page added a reference to Taiwan's cooperation with a Pentagon technology and semiconductor development project and says the U.S. will support Taiwan's membership in international organisations "where applicable".

The changes were praised by the island’s government on Sunday (February 16) as being in support of Taiwan.