TAIPEI, June 25 - Three U.S. government departments have told U.S. governors and business leaders that Chinese diplomats are actively contacting subnational governments and private firms to dissuade them from engaging with Taiwan, and that those contacts sometimes distort Washington's stance.
The joint correspondence, issued by the Departments of State, Agriculture and Commerce, was addressed to governors' offices and to chief executives and business leaders. The letters are dated June 16 and were made public by the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan late on Wednesday.
In language that mirrors across the versions, the letters state that Chinas embassy and consulates "regularly contact local government offices or private business in the U.S. to 'discourage engagement with Taiwan.'" They add that "in doing so, they often mischaracterise U.S. policy by, for example, falsely claiming that Washington has previously accepted Beijings specific position on Taiwan."
The letters reiterate that the U.S. officially maintains no position on Taiwans sovereignty under Washingtons One China policy, while also underscoring the depth of U.S.-Taiwan ties. The departments note that the United States remains Taiwans most important international backer and arms supplier despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, a reality that has long provoked Beijings objections.
Officials also emphasize Taiwans role in global trade, saying the island is integral to the global trade system and that U.S. states and businesses have sustained robust relationships with Taiwan for many decades. The letter to governors describes Taiwan as "a vital U.S. partner and democratic success story" and encourages states to pursue opportunities stemming from shared values and a strong relationship.
Recipients of the letters are given clear guidance on how to respond to pressure. If government offices or companies are contacted by Chinese officials "applying pressure on you," the correspondence instructs them to contact the State Department.
Requests for comment to Chinas foreign ministry did not receive an immediate response, the letters note. Beyond urging reporting of coercive contacts, the communications stress expansion of ties with Taiwan rather than retrenchment.
Context and implications
- The letters were sent jointly by the U.S. Departments of State, Agriculture and Commerce and released by the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan.
- The guidance asks state governments and private sector leaders to report coercive outreach by Chinese diplomatic missions to the State Department.
- The correspondence frames Taiwan as an important U.S. partner in trade and as a major recipient of U.S. arms support despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties.