Trump Announces Intent to Speak with Taiwan's President, Provoking China's Reaction
U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to speak directly with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, a move seen as a violation of longstanding diplomatic protocol. The announcement, made shortly after Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, has sparked concerns about potential Chinese retaliation. The U.S. is also considering a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China opposes.
Where Sources Diverge
Some sources emphasize the diplomatic protocol violation, while others focus on the potential arms deal as a bargaining chip.
The move would break over four decades of protocol and be an affront to China.
After wrapping up his trip to Beijing, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a bargaining chip with China.
The timing of the statements varies across sources, with some reporting the announcement as early as May 20 and others as late as May 22.
‘Will work on Taiwan problem’: Trump days after meeting Xi Jinping in Beijing
Why China might react badly to any call between Trump and Taiwan’s president
Timelines
Sources
Why China might react badly to any call between Trump and Taiwan’s president The Straits Times
Explainer-Why China might react badly to any call between Trump and Taiwan's president The Straits Times
Analysts say the remarks are less a sign of closer US-Taiwan ties than another example of Trump’s unpredictability.
It comes as the US weighs whether to proceed with a $14bn arms sales to Taiwan, which China claims as its own.
'I speak to everybody': Trump says he will speak to Taiwan's president in diplomatic shift The Jerusalem Post
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan said he would be happy to speak with President Trump, a move that would defy U.S. diplomatic protocol and infuriate China.
Donald Trump has said he will talk with Taiwan's president about purchasing US arms. The move would break over four decades of protocol and be an affront to China.
After wrapping up his trip to Beijing, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a bargaining chip with China
US and Taiwan leaders have not spoken since Washington shifted diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.
Trump last week issued a warning to Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China.
Taiwan says President Lai would be happy to talk to Trump The Straits Times
Taiwan says President Lai would be happy to talk to Trump Reuters
Trump says he will speak with Taiwan's president The Straits Times
If they speak, Taiwan president says he would tell Trump that China was the one undermining peace in the Strait The Straits Times
Taiwan’s President Vows Peace After Trump Aired Worry About War Bloomberg.com
If they speak, Taiwan president would tell Trump China was undermining peace Reuters