The US House of Representatives has made a bold move regarding Taiwan. On Friday, it passed a major defense spending bill for 2026. Importantly, this legislation includes a clear ban on Pentagon maps that depict Taiwan as part of China. Representative Tom Tiffany led the charge by introducing this amendment. Notably, he argued that Taiwan is not part of China, and US maps should reflect that reality. Moreover, the amendment aims to stop any military funding from supporting such inaccurate maps.
Specifically, the rule applies to Taiwan and nearby islands. These include Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, Wuciou, Green Island, and Orchid Island. From now on, the Pentagon cannot produce or use maps showing these areas as part of Chinese territory. Furthermore, Tiffany pointed out that this amendment continues earlier efforts. In fact, a similar policy was adopted in a past State Department budget. This time, however, the rule would apply directly to the Department of Defense.
According to Tiffany, “This is not a controversial issue.” He added that Taiwan holds elections, controls its military, and manages foreign relations. Therefore, Taiwan is not part of China, no matter what Beijing claims. In addition, he challenged the US “one China” policy. He called it outdated, misleading, and based on China’s unproven claims. Although the amendment doesn’t reverse that policy, it does change how the Pentagon presents Taiwan.
Tiffany argued that government maps should reflect the truth. “China is China, and Taiwan is Taiwan,” he said. The House passed the full bill, including Tiffany’s amendment, by a voice vote. Significantly, no one objected. Altogether, the bill allocates over US$830 billion in defense funding. It also provides nearly US$470 million for Taiwan’s security. However, the Senate still needs to pass its own version before the bill becomes law.
Previously, in 2022, a similar rule appeared in the federal budget. Yet that version used softer wording, banning only maps that “inaccurately depicted” Taiwan. Now, this latest amendment goes further. It firmly states what kind of maps the Pentagon can use. Most importantly, it repeats the simple truth: Taiwan is not part of China.
