Trump agrees to speak directly with Taiwan's President Lai

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is willing to hold a direct conversation with Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching‑te, after his recent trip to China. Trump’s statement marks a potential diplomatic shift, as the two leaders have not spoken directly since Washington switched official recognition to Beijing in 1979.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that President Lai welcomes the opportunity to speak with Trump, noting a brief precedent in 2016 when former President Trump spoke by phone with Taiwan’s leader. The development comes amid heightened U.S.–China tensions over Taiwan’s security and arms sales.