US Denies Settled Sovereignty Over Taiwan

The United States has historically maintained a complex stance regarding Taiwan's sovereignty. In the mid-20th century, the U.S. government explicitly denied that the sovereignty over Taiwan and the Penghu islands was settled. This position was articulated during discussions surrounding the political status of Taiwan, where the U.S. recognized the Republic of China (ROC) as the legal government of China. However, the U.S. also acknowledged that the ROC's control over Taiwan was primarily military, reflecting the ongoing tensions between the ROC and the People's Republic of China (PRC). This ambiguity in U.S. policy has had lasting implications for cross-strait relations and has influenced Taiwan's international status and security dynamics. The U.S. stance has contributed to the ongoing debate about Taiwan's sovereignty, with various international actors interpreting the situation differently based on their geopolitical interests.