Beijing: The US State Department has removed a statement from its website declaring Washington's opposition to Taiwan's independence, prompting a strong response from China.

According to Anadolu Agency, the previous version of the statement from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs on the State Department's website explicitly stated that the US opposes 'any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side; we do not support Taiwan independence; and we expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means.'

The revised version, published on February 13, now reads: 'We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side. We expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means, free from coercion, in a manner acceptable to the people on both sides of the Strait.' The alteration has sparked controversy, as it omits the explicit mention of opposing Taiwan independence, which has been a longstanding element of US policy.

During a briefing in Beijing, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun condemned the update, labeling it 'a serious regression in its stance on the Taiwan question.' China considers Taiwan a 'breakaway province,' while Taiwan has maintained its independence since 1949. The website revision occurred about three weeks after Republican President Donald Trump began his second term.

A State Department spokesperson explained late Sunday that the update was a "routine measure" to keep the public informed about the US' unofficial relationship with Taiwan. The spokesperson emphasized that 'The United States remains committed to its one-China policy' and is dedicated to 'preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.'

In response, Guo argued that the revision violated the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, breaching international law and norms. He further stated that the update sent a 'seriously wrong signal' to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, accusing the US of stubbornly following an erroneous policy of 'exploiting the Taiwan question to contain China.' Guo urged the US to 'immediately correct its mistake and handle the Taiwan issue with the utmost caution.'