In a move that could potentially impact U.S.-China relations, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday his intention to converse with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te. This unprecedented step for a sitting U.S. leader was revealed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland as Trump prepared to board Air Force One. Despite the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding Taiwan, Trump expressed his willingness to engage, stating, “I speak to everybody … We’ll work on that, the Taiwan problem.” Taiwan’s foreign ministry responded positively, indicating that Lai would welcome the conversation.
The last time a U.S. and Taiwanese president spoke directly was prior to 1979, before Washington officially recognized Beijing over Taipei. Trump previously stirred diplomatic tensions in late 2016 when, as president-elect, he broke longstanding protocol by speaking with then-Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. The call incited a formal complaint from China, though Trump’s team downplayed its significance at the time. Beijing continues to regard Taiwan as part of its territory and has shown disapproval of the U.S.’s military support for the island, which is designed to deter Chinese aggression.
Trump’s recent remarks marked the second occasion in a week that he’s mentioned plans to speak with Lai, clarifying that his initial statement after meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping was not a slip of the tongue. While no call has been officially scheduled, and the White House has yet to comment on the matter, Trump’s administration has noted his approval of significant arms sales to Taiwan. However, Trump has also implied that these sales could serve as leverage in negotiations with China.
Despite Trump’s friendly rapport with Xi, highlighted as “amazing,” he remains undecided on a major $14 billion arms deal with Taiwan, adding to the uncertainty surrounding U.S. support. This indecision has reportedly prompted Beijing to delay approval for a proposed visit by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s undersecretary of defense for policy, until a decision is made. China’s stance on Taiwan remains firm, viewing the island as a breakaway province, and any high-level U.S.-Taiwan exchanges typically provoke Beijing’s ire.
While Trump’s comments have left Taiwan with mixed signals—particularly given his use of the term “Taiwan problem,” echoing Chinese rhetoric—President Lai has maintained a commitment to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. He emphasizes that Taiwan seeks to preserve peace despite China’s military expansion. Under U.S. law, Washington is obligated to equip Taiwan for self-defense, a point underscored by bipartisan calls for continued arms sales. Taiwan, with its 23 million residents, holds significant strategic value for the U.S. as its fourth-largest trading partner, largely due to its export of advanced semiconductors crucial to the global economy.