State Department removes statement from website that says it doesn't support Taiwan independence

The U.S. State Department recently removed a statement on its website that said it didn't support the independence of Taiwan. 

The phrase “we do not support Taiwan independence” was taken off a department fact sheet that was posted on the website.

The Taiwanese government welcomed the change, according to The Associated Press.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted that the U.S. State Department updated the ‘Current State of U.S.-Taiwan Relations’ page … with text that is positive and friendly toward us, reflecting the close and amicable partnership between Taiwan and the United States,” the government said in a statement to the outlet.

The foreign ministry of China criticized the move. 

“We urge the U.S. to … stop emboldening and supporting Taiwan independence and avoid further damaging China-U.S. relations and the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait,” ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said regarding the statement being removed.