Beijing has publicly urged Washington to rescind the US-Taiwan Phase One Enforcement Act tied to the 21st Century Trade Initiative, a measure signed by President Joe Biden on August 7. The Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China stated that this law conflicts with Washington’s commitments on its interactions with Taipei.
The ministry asserted that United States actions diverge from the agreed principle of one China and violate the spirit of the three Sino-US joint declarations. It argued that Washington abandoned the stance of maintaining informal contacts with Taiwan and sent an unintended message in support of Taiwan independence advocates. The report underscored concerns that the bill encourages sentiment among those who favor formal independence for Taiwan.
Beijing’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its call for Washington not only to withdraw the controversial trade legislation but also to reassess its overall approach to Taiwan. The ministry stressed that the United States has pursued a policy that misreads the realities of cross-strait relations.
In its statement, China urged the United States to reverse course promptly, rescind the so-called legislation, halt negotiations framed as new initiatives, and stop pushing in a direction that China says would destabilize the existing understandings on Taiwan. The ministry emphasized that the Taiwan issue remains a core and highly sensitive matter for Beijing.
The situation is framed as a test of the broader international consensus on Taiwan. Although many countries adhere to the one China policy, Taiwan operates as a de facto independent entity following the conclusion of the Chinese civil war in 1949. Beijing maintains that Taiwan is an integral part of the People’s Republic of China and has long criticized unilateral or unofficial contacts with Taipei outside the framework of Beijing’s position.
The dialogue around Taiwan’s status continues to be a focal point in U.S.-China relations, with Beijing warning that missteps in this area could have wide-reaching implications for regional stability and the broader diplomatic landscape.
All of these developments reflect the ongoing strategic tension between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan and cross-strait governance, a topic that remains deeply sensitive for both sides and is closely watched by international observers and allied governments alike. The United States is frequently portrayed by Beijing as a provocateur when it engages with Taiwan beyond acknowledged informal channels, a characterization that feeds into the broader narrative about how each side interprets commitments made years ago.