Donald Trump said he plans to speak directly with Lai Ching-te about a possible US arms sale to Taiwan, a move that could mark a major break from long-standing diplomatic practice between Washington and Taipei.
The announcement has already drawn criticism from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and strongly opposes official exchanges between Taiwan and foreign governments.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump confirmed he expected to discuss the issue directly with Lai before making a decision on a reported $14 billion arms package for Taiwan.
“I’ll speak to him. I speak to everybody. We’ll work on that, the Taiwan problem,” Trump said.
If the conversation takes place, it would represent a significant departure from diplomatic norms followed by the United States since 1979. That year, Washington officially recognized the government in Beijing and ended formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Despite that change, the United States has continued to support Taiwan through the Taiwan Relations Act. The law allows the US to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons to help maintain its security.
The reported arms package could include anti-drone systems and air-defense missile equipment. Trump said he has not yet made a final decision about approving the sale.
Trump’s comments came shortly after a two-day summit in Beijing with Xi Jinping. During the visit, Trump praised his relationship with Xi and described it as “amazing.”
At the same time, he acknowledged that Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in relations between the United States and China.
Chinese officials quickly responded to Trump’s remarks. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said Beijing firmly opposes official contact between the United States and Taiwan, as well as American weapons sales to the island.
The spokesperson urged Washington to stop sending what China described as “wrong signals” to supporters of Taiwanese independence.
China has repeatedly warned that it could use force if Taiwan formally declares independence. Beijing has increased military pressure around the island in recent years through military exercises and aircraft operations near Taiwanese territory.
Since taking office in 2024, Lai Ching-te has strongly supported increasing Taiwan’s defense capabilities. His administration has pushed for higher military spending and stronger security ties with international partners.
Lai has described Taiwan as a sovereign and democratic country and has said peace in the Taiwan Strait should not be sacrificed.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry said Lai would welcome discussions with Trump about maintaining stability in the region and preserving peace across the Taiwan Strait.
This is not the first time Trump has broken diplomatic tradition regarding Taiwan. In 2016, shortly after winning the US presidential election, he spoke by phone with then-Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen. The call angered Beijing and triggered formal protests from China.
Trump also suggested he had discussed possible arms sales with Xi during his recent trip to Beijing. If true, the statement would mark another unusual shift in US policy.
In 1982, the United States gave Taiwan assurances that Washington would not consult Beijing before selling weapons to Taiwan. However, Trump recently suggested those older commitments may no longer fully apply, saying the 1980s were “a long way” in the past.
The US approved another major arms sale to Taiwan last December worth around $11 billion. The move also caused tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Taiwan has sharply increased defense spending in response to growing military pressure from China. Many people in Taiwan see themselves as part of a separate identity from mainland China, although most support maintaining the current situation rather than formally declaring independence or seeking unification.
Analysts say any direct conversation between Trump and Lai could further increase tensions between the United States and China at a time when both countries are already competing over trade, technology, military power, and regional influence.
The Taiwan issue remains one of the most sensitive and dangerous flashpoints in international politics, with global powers closely watching every development between Washington, Beijing, and Taipei.
