Defying Beijing, US Loosens Restrictions On Taiwan Contacts

The United States will still consider only Beijing as China's legitimate government, consistent with its switch of recognition in 1979, but will do away with some of the convoluted rules that restricted dealings with Taiwan.

The State Department said Friday it will make it easier for US officials to meet Taiwanese representatives, defying pressure from China amid high tensions. The United States will still consider only Beijing as China's legitimate government, consistent with its switch of recognition in 1979, but will do away with some of the convoluted rules that restricted dealings with Taiwan. The updated guidance "underscores Taiwan is a vibrant democracy and an important security and economic partner that is also a force for good in the international community," State Department spokesman Ned Price said. "These new guidelines liberalize guidance on contacts with Taiwan, consistent with our unofficial relations," he said in a statement.