China/Taiwan: Evolution of the "One China" Policy - Key Statements from Washington, Beijing, and Taipei

Despite apparently consistent statements in over three decades, the one China policy concerning Taiwan remains somewhat ambiguous and subject to different interpretations. Apart from questions about what the one China policy entails, issues have arisen about whether U.S. presidents have stated clear positions and have changed or should change policy, affecting U.S. interests in stability and democracy. In Part I, this CRS Report discusses the one China policy since the United States began in 1971 to reach presidential understandings with the PRC government. Part II documents the evolution of policy as affected by legislation and articulated in key statements by Washington, Beijing, and Taipei. This report will be updated.