China Opposes U.S. Contacts with Taiwan After Trump Comments

U.S. engagement with Taiwan after President Trump indicated he would speak with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. S. S. arms sales to the island remains consistent, clear and firm. He urged Washington to handle the Taiwan question with actual prudence.

Beijing has long claimed sovereignty over Taiwan, which maintains its own currency, military, and other features of an independent state. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has vowed to bring the island under his control, by force if necessary. S. “One China” policy, successive administrations have acknowledged Beijing’s claims while taking no position on them.

American presidents have typically avoided direct contact with Taiwanese heads of state.

Wednesday, Trump said he would speak with Lai while weighing a $14 billion arms package to Taiwan. He described the package as a “great negotiating chip for us” with Beijing. S. president to set foot on Chinese soil since 2017 during his meeting with Xi last week. Lai was elected Taiwanese president in January 2024 and has led efforts to strengthen the island’s defense capabilities.