Trump's pledge to talk to Taiwan President raises US‑China tension

U.S. President Donald Trump said on two occasions that he will speak directly with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching‑te, a move that would be the first contact between the leaders of the two governments since the United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. Taiwan’s foreign ministry said Lai would be “happy” to discuss the issue, reaffirming the island’s commitment to maintaining the status‑quo in the Taiwan Strait and accusing China of destabilising the region.

China’s foreign ministry warned that any official exchange between Washington and Taipei would be “firmly opposed” and could provoke a strong reaction, recalling past Chinese war‑games after high‑level U.S. contacts with Taiwan, such as Nancy Pelosi’s 2022 visit and Trump’s 2016 call with then‑President Tsai Ing‑wen. The statement comes as the White House weighs a proposed $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, which Beijing also condemns. Analysts say Trump’s remarks could further strain U.S.–China relations and raise regional security concerns.