TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink reiterated Washington’s policy toward Taiwan during a press briefing on Tuesday (Oct. 9). 

Kritenbrink was asked to comment on President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) comment that it was “impossible” for the People's Republic of China (PRC) to be the “motherland” of Taiwan. Lai pointed out on Saturday that the PRC celebrated its 75th birthday on Oct. 1, while the Republic of China (Taiwan) will be marking its 113th birthday.  

The assistant secretary said America’s “one China” policy remains the same and is based on the Taiwan Relations Act, the three joint communiques, and Six Assurances. “We oppose unilateral changes to the status quo by either side, we do not support Taiwan independence, and we expect cross-strait differences to be resolved peacefully.,” he said, adding that the US seeks to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Kritenbrink’s comments come as a US congressional delegation is in Taiwan for talks with top government officials. The lawmakers have already met with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮). They will also visit Lai to discuss regional security and economic issues.

Taiwan and the US seek to deepen defense cooperation to counter the Chinese threat. During the Taiwan-US Defense Industry Conference last month, both sides agreed that Taiwan could become a valuable partner for the US defense industry, leading to mutually beneficial development. The conference allowed Taiwanese officials to discuss issues with US defense contractors, bolstering bilateral cooperation mechanisms and communication platforms.