Trump opens door to direct talks with Taiwan’s leader
TL;DR
President Donald Trump said he’s willing to speak directly with Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te, a potential break with decades of U.S. diplomatic norms. The remarks come as U.S.–China relations grow tense and amid ongoing attention to arms sales to Taiwan. Lai said communication channels with Washington are always open and urged continued U.S. military support, while Beijing has warned that any talks could destabilize the Taiwan Strait and harm relations. A direct call could complicate the unofficial U.S. relationship with Taipei under the One China policy and the Taiwan Relations Act.
- Trump says he’s willing to talk to Taiwan’s leader, a major departure from diplomatic norms CNN
- Trump Again Says He Will Talk to Taiwan’s Leader, Risking China’s Anger The New York Times
- Taiwan risks Xi’s wrath with Trump phone call The Telegraph
- Taiwan welcomes idea of Trump talking to its president, which would be a major break in protocol NBC News
- Pentagon official's Beijing visit in doubt over $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan, FT reports Reuters
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