US President Donald Trump announced that he intends to speak directly with Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te concerning a proposed multi-billion-dollar weapons transfer. This move represents a major departure from established Washington diplomatic conventions. Under long-standing protocol, American and Taiwanese heads of state have avoided direct contact since 1979, when the US normalized relations with Beijing.
Trump confirmed his intentions on Wednesday while discussing regional security challenges.
The decision comes as the White House evaluates a proposed 14-billion-dollar defense package for Taiwan, which reportedly includes sophisticated air-defense missile setups and anti-drone technology. Trump stated that he wants to talk directly with the island`s leader before finalizing the transaction. "I’ll speak to him," Trump told reporters, noting that he handles the situation by speaking to everyone involved.
The announcement closely follows Trump`s high-stakes two-day summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump characterized his personal dynamic with Xi as outstanding, despite the underlying geopolitical friction. During the meetings, Chinese officials made it absolutely clear that Taiwan remains the single most critical line in bilateral relations. Xi explicitly warned of potential direct military conflict if the issue is mismanaged by Washington. Trump shrugged off the immediate risk of war but acknowledged Beijing’s intense focus on the island.
Beijing officially views democratic Taiwan as its sovereign territory and has repeatedly vowed to annex it.
China reacted with immediate fury to Trump`s public statements. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated on Thursday that Beijing firmly opposes any official exchanges or direct arms sales between the United States and Taiwan. The ministry formally urged Washington to stop sending encouraging signals to what it labeled separatist forces on the self-ruled island. Furthermore, reports indicate that Beijing is holding up a scheduled visit by top Pentagon policy official Elbridge Colby until the arms deal is settled.
Taiwan`s foreign ministry countered by stating President Lai would be happy to discuss regional stability with Trump.
Lai released a separate statement reinforcing that Taiwan operates as a sovereign, independent, and democratic nation. He stated that cross-strait peace would not be traded away or sacrificed under external pressure, pointing out that American defense equipment acts as a crucial stabilizer.
This is not the first time Trump has disregarded traditional diplomatic channels.
In 2016, as president-elect, he accepted a congratulatory phone call from Taiwan’s then-leader Tsai Ing-wen, prompting a formal diplomatic protest from Beijing. While a 1982 US commitment promised Taiwan that Washington would not consult Beijing regarding weapons transfers, Trump dismissed historical precedents on his flight back from China. When asked about those decades-old assurances, Trump remarked that the 1980s were simply a long time ago.
