US President Donald Trump has said he is willing to speak with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, a move that would sharply break with decades of US diplomatic practice and risk heightening tensions with China.
US and Taiwanese presidents have not held direct conversations since 1979, when Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing under the framework of the “One China” policy.
“I’ll speak to him,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, when asked whether he would consider calling Lai ahead of a decision on a major US arms sale to Taiwan. “I speak to everybody. We have that situation very well in hand,” he said, before boarding Air Force One.
Rare diplomatic shift
A direct call between a US president and Taiwan’s leader would be unprecedented in modern US–China relations and would likely trigger a strong reaction from Beijing.
Under the US “One China” policy, Washington acknowledges Beijing’s position that Taiwan is part of China, while maintaining unofficial relations with Taipei. The US is also legally bound under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons.
Timing follows high-level China visit
Trump’s comments came shortly after his visit to Beijing, where Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly warned that Taiwan could become a “very dangerous situation” if not handled carefully.
After the visit, Trump described his meeting with Xi as “amazing” and referred to Taiwan as a “problem,” remarks that have drawn attention in both Washington and Beijing.
Arms deal at the center of tensions
The remarks also come amid discussions over a proposed $14 billion US arms package for Taiwan, already approved by Congress earlier this year.
Washington remains Taiwan’s main arms supplier, while Taipei has been increasing its defense spending in response to rising military pressure from China, including frequent air and naval activity near the island.
Strong reaction expected from Beijing
China opposes any official contact between the United States and Taiwan, viewing the island as part of its territory.
Beijing has repeatedly warned Washington against changing what it considers the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, saying such actions would undermine regional stability.
Taiwan’s response
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said communication channels with Washington remain open and emphasized the importance of maintaining the current status quo.
He also defended Taiwan’s military procurement from the United States, saying it is necessary for the island’s security amid increasing pressure from China.
Lai maintains that Taiwan operates as a de facto independent state, even though it has not formally declared independence.
Rising geopolitical uncertainty
Any direct engagement between Trump and Taiwan’s leadership would likely strain US–China relations further, adding uncertainty to already sensitive diplomatic and security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.
