Taiwan is an independent country, not part of China

During a telephone interview with the Hugh Hewitt Show radio program aired on November 12, Pompeo was asked to comment on the US’ commitments to Taiwan’s security and the opinions of radical elements of the Chinese Communist Party that Taiwan should be “retaken by force if necessary.”   Pompeo said “Taiwan has not been a part of China, and that was recognized with the work that the Reagan administration did to lay out the policies that the United States has adhered to now for three-and-a-half decades, and done so under both administrations. I actually think this is in fact bipartisan.”   Pompeo emphasized that it was important to “get the language right”.    The Taiwan government welcomed Pompeo’s statement.     In addition, the presidential office issued another statement that it is an indisputable fact that the Republic of China is a sovereign state of 23 million Taiwanese.  In the mean time, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Pompeo for his damaging US-China ties remarks.   It was well-known that in China’s view that Taiwan is the most sensitive and important issue in dealing with the United States.    After establishing diplomatic tie with China in 1979, the United States is bound by “Taiwan Relations Acts” to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, and officially only acknowledges the Chinese position that Taiwan is part of it, rather than explicitly recognizing China’s claims.  For decades, the US policy makers seldom openly claimed that “Taiwan is not a part of China”, which might irritate China.  Pompeo probably the first high-ranking official challenged China by releasing new US’ Taiwan position.  As a matter of fact, the Trump administration’s stepped up support for Taiwan angered China for the last two years.   China complained repeatedly that it would strike back against any moves that showed strong supports to Taiwan.  However, the most of time China only talked, but little actions.