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United States (US) President Donald Trump has said he will speak with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, a move that could increase tensions between the US and China.
The announcement disclosed on Wednesday comes as Washington and Beijing continue to disagree over Taiwan’s political status. Direct talks between U.S. and Taiwanese leaders have not happened since 1979, when the United States officially shifted diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing.
According to Reuters, Trump, speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews, said: “I’ll speak to him. I speak to everybody… We’ll work on that, the Taiwan problem.”
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has consistently opposed any official contact between U.S. and Taiwanese leaders. Beijing is yet to respond to Trump’s latest comments.
However, Taiwan President Lai said he will welcome the opportunity to speak with Trump and emphasised that his government remains committed to peace.
Lai said, “No country has the right to annex Taiwan. The people of Taiwan pursue a democratic and free way of life.”
The United States is legally required to provide Taiwan with defensive support, including arms sales, although Trump has recently signalled uncertainty over a major weapons deal.
Despite tensions, Taiwan remains an important U.S. trade partner, especially for advanced semiconductors used in global technology production.
