Chinese President Xi Jinping privately requested US President Joe Biden last year to alter the language the United States uses when discussing Taiwan, seeking a firmer stance against Taiwanese independence. During a meeting in November 2023 near San Francisco, Xi and his aides asked the Biden administration to shift from saying the United States “does not support” Taiwan’s independence to declaring it “opposes” such a move, according to US officials aware of the discussions. Although China’s diplomats have made similar requests in the past, this high-level push by Xi marks an unprecedented diplomatic appeal.
Since the November exchange, Chinese officials have repeatedly followed up with the US administration on the matter, but Washington has declined to modify its position, with the White House reiterating its long-standing “One China” policy. In a recent statement, the White House affirmed its stance, saying, “The Biden-Harris administration has been consistent on our long-standing One China policy.” China’s foreign ministry, responding to media questions, deferred to the US, while Taiwan’s foreign ministry chose not to comment.
Taiwan remains a sensitive topic in US-China relations. The US severed official ties with Taiwan’s government in 1979 but continues to support the island’s self-defense, in line with US law. However, China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. Under Xi’s leadership, Beijing has intensified military operations around Taiwan, most recently conducting drills involving a record 153 military aircraft.
A language change by the US would likely influence diplomatic dynamics across the Asia-Pacific region, raising concerns among allies and adversaries. Regional officials indicated they would view such a shift as reducing US support for Taiwan, especially amid rising military pressure from Beijing. For Taiwan, public opinion shows a preference for maintaining the current status quo, avoiding moves toward formal independence or unification with China.
The Biden administration has not committed to altering its strategic stance on Taiwan despite increased Chinese military activity. The leaders may discuss Taiwan again at upcoming international summits, such as the G20 in Brazil or APEC in Peru, where both Taiwan and China participate. As Biden’s term nears its end, the Taiwan issue will likely be inherited by his successor, either Vice President Kamala Harris or Republican candidate Donald Trump.