US says China is trying to discourage states, businesses from engaging with Taiwan

Beijing has dismissed the letters, saying it firmly opposes any official interaction between the US and Taiwan

A Navy miniature is seen in front of displayed Chinese and Taiwanese flags in this illustration taken, April 11, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic

China has been contacting US states and private firms to discourage engagement with Taiwan and mischaracterising US policy, but links with Taiwan should be expanded, three US government departments have said in joint letters.

The US is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, to the constant anger of Beijing, which claims the independently ruled island as its territory.

The two letters from US Departments of State, Agriculture, and Commerce, one addressed to governor's offices and one to CEOs and business leaders, are dated Jun 16 but were released by the de facto US embassy in Taiwan late on Wednesday.

Similarly worded, the letters say that China's embassy and consulates regularly contact local government offices or private business in the US to "discourage engagement with Taiwan".

"In doing so, they often mischaracterise US policy by, for example, falsely claiming that Washington has previously accepted Beijing's specific position on Taiwan," both the letters say.

Should government offices or companies be contacted by Chinese officials "applying pressure on you", they should contact the State Department, the letters say.

Speaking in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China consistently and firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the US and Taiwan.

China urges the US to handle the Taiwan issue with prudence, refrain from conducting official exchanges with Taiwan under any pretext, and avoid sending any wrong signals to separatist forces, he said.

The US officially takes no position on Taiwan's sovereignty under Washington's ‘One China’ policy.

Taiwan's government welcomed the letter and show of support from the US.

"Although Beijing continues to intensify its suppression of Taiwan and pressure international businesses, the US government has clearly demonstrated its willingness to deepen cooperation with Taiwan," its foreign ministry said in a statement.

The letters say that Taiwan plays a key role in the global trade system and US states and businesses have had robust ties with the island for many decades.

"Taiwan is a vital US partner and democratic success story," the letter to the governors says.

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