Leaving this Taiwan keep on saying that “we don’t need to declare independence because we are already independent country with sovereignty because there are already some twenty six countries that recognize us, so many countries.” What does this mean to you? out of the story makes it look like Powell is making a comment not answering a question.
1st of all does the US recognise Taiwan as "independent"(Sovereignity is a different ballgame altogether)-if so the 'One China' policy should be non-existent & Powell,being Sec.of State knows that isn't exactly the case & what should matter to an American official is the status of US-Taiwan relations & not Taiwan's ties with Senegal or Burundi.So He is just restating official American policy here.