The criticisms of Beijing's alleged island-grabbing activities in the South China Sea overlook what some would see as the biggest island-grab of them all — the United States' move in June 1950 to put the Chinese island of Taiwan under its wing.
On Jan. 5, 1950, shortly after the Republic of China (ROC) government under Chiang Kai-shek, had fled to Taiwan following its defeat by communist forces on the Chinese mainland, U.S. President Truman issued the following statement: "The United States government will not pursue a course which will lead to involvement in the civil conflict in China."
In other words, the U.S. would not oppose Beijing's effort to conclude its civil war with the ROC by attacking and taking over Taiwan, then seen as belonging to China.