The U.S. State Department has updated its website by removing a statement indicating its lack of support for Taiwan’s independence, a change that the Taiwanese government commended on Sunday as a sign of support for the island.

The updated fact sheet on Taiwan maintains Washington’s stance against any unilateral changes from either Taiwan or China, which asserts sovereignty over the democratically governed island. In addition to omitting the phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence,” the page now includes a mention of Taiwan’s collaboration with a Pentagon technology and semiconductor development initiative, as well as a commitment to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations “where applicable.”

Although the United States, like most nations, does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it remains the island’s most significant international ally, legally obligated to provide defense support. The updated State Department website states, “We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side,” and emphasizes the expectation that cross-Strait issues be resolved peacefully and without coercion, in a manner acceptable to the populations on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed appreciation for the support and positive outlook on U.S.-Taiwan relations reflected in the website’s content, according to a statement from his ministry on Sunday.

The State Department and China’s foreign ministry did not respond immediately to inquiries outside of office hours. The language changes were initially reported by Taiwan’s official Central News Agency on Sunday. Notably, the wording regarding Taiwan’s independence was previously removed in 2022, only to be reinstated a month later. Taiwan’s government firmly rejects Beijing’s claims of sovereignty, asserting that only the island’s residents can determine their future. Taiwan identifies itself as an independent nation known as the Republic of China, its official designation. Beijing regards Taiwan as a “core interest” and frequently criticizes any expressions of support for Taipei from Washington.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments regarding Taiwan’s semiconductor industry have raised concerns in the region since he took office last month. However, his administration has consistently expressed strong support for Taiwan.

Last week marked the first passage of U.S. Navy vessels through the strategically important Taiwan Strait since Trump’s inauguration. Additionally, Taiwan’s foreign ministry reported that a Canadian warship, the Ottawa, transited the strait on Sunday. Canada’s Department of National Defence has not provided a response to inquiries regarding this matter.

Taiwan is currently experiencing increased military pressure from Beijing, characterized by frequent incursions of Chinese military aircraft and vessels into the surrounding waters and airspace. On Sunday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the detection of 24 Chinese military aircraft engaged in a “joint combat readiness patrol” alongside Chinese naval forces near the island.

China’s defense ministry has not responded to requests for comments concerning the U.S. State Department’s statements, the Canadian warship, or the heightened military activities.