Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Thursday he would be "happy" to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump offered a phone call.
The potential conversation represents a significant shift in diplomatic relations. Such a call would break more than 40 years [1] of diplomatic protocol regarding direct communication between the two leaders.
Trump said the offer to reporters on Wednesday. The proposal comes as the White House considers the sale of arms to Taiwan. Lai's response signals a willingness to engage in direct dialogue with the U.S. administration despite consistent opposition from China.
Direct communication between the U.S. presidency and Taiwan's leadership has been avoided for decades to manage tensions with Beijing. By expressing openness to the call, Lai is positioning Taiwan to engage more directly with the current U.S. executive branch.
The timing of the offer coincides with ongoing deliberations over military support. The U.S. government is currently weighing various arms sales to the island, which often serve as a primary point of contention in U.S.-China relations.
Lai said he did not provide a specific timeframe for the call but confirmed his readiness to participate. The move follows Trump's remarks to reporters, where the U.S. president suggested the possibility of the conversation.
“Lai Ching-te said he would be "happy" to talk to Donald Trump”
A direct phone call between the U.S. and Taiwan presidents would mark a departure from the 'One China' policy framework that has governed U.S. diplomacy since the 1970s. By bypassing traditional indirect channels, both leaders would be signaling a more assertive approach to Taiwan's sovereignty and security, potentially escalating diplomatic friction with China while strengthening the immediate security partnership between Washington and Taipei.
