TAIPEI, Taiwan: The U.S. State Department has revised its official website's fact sheet on Taiwan, removing a previous statement that explicitly said Washington does not support Taiwan's independence.

The change, which also includes new language highlighting U.S.-Taiwan cooperation in technology and semiconductor development, was welcomed by Taiwan's government as a sign of stronger bilateral ties.

The updated webpage maintains Washington's long-held stance against any unilateral changes to the status quo, whether by China or Taiwan. "We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side," the revised fact sheet states. "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 (Taiwan) Strait."

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung praised the update, with the foreign ministry calling it a "positive stance on U.S.-Taiwan relations."

Although the United States does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it remains its most significant international backer and is legally bound to provide the island with defensive capabilities. The new wording also affirms U.S. support for Taiwan's membership in international organizations "where applicable."

Neither the U.S. State Department nor China's foreign ministry immediately responded to requests for comment.

The removal of the non-support statement follows a similar revision in 2022, when the wording was briefly dropped before being reinstated a month later. Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province, has consistently condemned any perceived shifts in U.S. policy that appear to support Taiwan's sovereignty.

China, which views Taiwan as its most sensitive territorial issue, regularly criticizes U.S. actions related to the island, including military operations.

Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to face increased military pressure from Beijing. On Sunday, Taiwan's defense ministry reported that 24 Chinese military aircraft and several warships were conducting "joint combat readiness patrols" around the island.

The ministry also confirmed that a Canadian warship, the Ottawa, transited the Taiwan Strait the same day. Canada's Department of National Defence has yet to comment on the passage.

Last week, the U.S. Navy sent two ships through the Taiwan Strait—the first such operation since President Donald Trump took office. His administration has expressed strong support for Taiwan despite his recent criticism of the island's dominance in semiconductor manufacturing.

China has yet to comment on the latest U.S. policy update or the increased military activity near Taiwan.