Trump says he’ll speak to Taiwan’s leader: Why that is significant
Former President Donald Trump has indicated he may speak with Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te, which would be a significant diplomatic move. This potential communication comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China regarding Taiwan's status. Analysts suggest that Trump's unpredictability could lead to heightened tensions with Beijing.
- ▪Trump's comments could mark the first direct contact between U.S. and Taiwanese leaders since 1979.
- ▪Taiwan's President expressed willingness to talk, emphasizing the need for stability in the Taiwan Strait.
- ▪China's foreign ministry firmly opposes official exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan.
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EXPLAINERNews|South China SeaTrump says he’ll speak to Taiwan’s leader: Why that is significantAnalysts say the remarks are less a sign of closer US-Taiwan ties than another example of Trump’s unpredictability.ListenListen (6 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoToggle PlayWill Trump kill the $14bn Taiwan arms deal?By Nils AdlerPublished On 21 May 202621 May 2026President Donald Trump has twice suggested, since his summit with China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing last week, that he may speak with Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te.That would mark the first direct contact between leaders of the governments since the US switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.
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