US Urges States, Businesses to Expand Taiwan Ties Amid Chinese Pressure

Three U.S. government departments have urged American states and businesses to strengthen ties with Taiwan, saying such engagement is consistent with long-standing U.S. policy, despite pressure from China.

In joint letters, the State Department, Department of Agriculture, and Commerce Department said Chinese embassies and consulates have regularly contacted U.S. officials and companies to discourage cooperation with Taiwan, often by misrepresenting Washington’s policy.

“Taiwan is a vital US partner and democratic success story,” the departments said in a letter to U.S. governors.

“We hope you will take advantage of all the opportunities that our shared values and robust relationship with Taiwan offer.”

The letters, published by the American Institute in Taiwan, which serves as the de facto embassy of the United States in Taiwan, encourage cooperation in trade, investment, education, and tourism. Recipients facing pressure from Chinese officials are advised to contact the State Department.

The departments recognized Taiwan as the United States’ fourth-largest trading partner and an important market for American agricultural exports. It is also a major source of international students in the United States.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 26 welcomed the letters, saying they demonstrate Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation despite Beijing’s efforts to limit Taiwan’s international engagement.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated China’s opposition to official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan. He urged Washington to avoid sending “any wrong signal” to “separatist forces.”

The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, known officially as the Republic of China. The Chinese Communist Party claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has often threatened the use of force to bring the democratically governed island under its control.

However, Washington maintains extensive unofficial ties with Taipei through the American Institute in Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act, which supports continued commercial, cultural, and other relations.

The letters seek to clarify U.S. policy on Taiwan following what officials describe as repeated misrepresentations by Chinese diplomats.

According to the departments, Chinese officials have incorrectly suggested that U.S. policy prevents states, businesses, and universities from working with Taiwan, when such exchanges are permitted under existing policy.

Washington has issued similar guidance in the past. Joint letters encouraging engagement with Taiwan were sent in recent years, including in 2023, when U.S. officials responded to reports of Chinese diplomatic pressure on state governments and companies. 

The latest message reaffirms that cooperation with Taiwan at the state and commercial level does not conflict with U.S. policy toward China.