Taiwan began as the Chinese Republic government in exile when Mao's CCP won their civil war after WWII. China views Taiwan as a rebellious state that they own. In order to appease the CCP, Taiwan had special diplomatic status with the US where it's government was only partially recognized. I believe the UN has similar status for it.

This memo says the US is giving much greater diplomatic recognition to Taiwan. Doesn't seem like SecState has the authority to give full diplomatic status due to some law.

Taiwan began as the Chinese Republic government in exile when Mao's CCP won their civil war after WWII. China views Taiwan as a rebellious state that they own. In order to appease the CCP, Taiwan had special diplomatic status with the US where it's government was only partially recognized. I believe the UN has similar status for it.

This memo says the US is giving full diplomatic recognition to Taiwan.