Chicago – May 21, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump said he intends to speak with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching‑te, a move that would break decades of diplomatic practice and risks angering Beijing as Washington weighs a major arms package for the island.
Trump told reporters he would “talk to him” and that he “speaks to everybody,” framing the potential call as part of decisions over a multibillion‑dollar weapons sale under congressional review.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry said Lai would be “happy” to speak with Trump and is willing to discuss maintaining the cross‑strait status quo, while Taipei has stressed it seeks stronger deterrence against threats from China.
Beijing strongly opposes any official interactions between U.S. leaders and Taiwan’s government and urged Washington to exercise “utmost caution,” warning such contact could harm Sino‑U.S. ties.
Analysts say a direct presidential exchange — the first since Washington switched recognition to Beijing in 1979 — would represent a significant departure from U.S. strategic ambiguity on Taiwan and could prompt diplomatic protests or punitive measures from China.
