U.S. Agencies Urge States and Businesses to Engage Taiwan

The United States Department of State, along with the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, issued joint letters on June 16 urging U.S. state governments and private businesses to strengthen their ties with Taiwan. The letters, released on June 24, were distributed via the American Institute in Taiwan.

U.S. officials allege that Chinese embassies and consulates have contacted American governors and business leaders to discourage cooperation with Taiwan. The U.S. government claims Chinese representatives misrepresented the One China policy and falsely asserted that Washington supports Beijing's claims over Taiwan's sovereignty. In response, U.S. officials clarified that the United States does not recognize China's claim over Taiwan and encouraged those facing diplomatic pressure to contact the State Department.

The Government of Taiwan welcomed the joint letters as a demonstration of the U.S. commitment to deepening cooperation. The Foreign Ministry of China did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations.