Trump says he will speak to Taiwan's president in break from protocol
Donald Trump said he plans to speak by phone with Taiwan's president, signalling a break from the long-standing US protocol against direct top-level contact. The move is being read as a fresh potential flashpoint with Beijing in the wake of the recent Trump-Xi reset talks.
Trump's remarks to reporters reopen debate about the boundaries of the long-standing US 'one China' policy. American presidents traditionally avoid direct phone calls with Taiwanese leaders, with the White House handling contacts through lower-ranking channels. Taiwanese officials described the announcement as 'positive.'
Beijing treats direct top-level US contact with Taipei as a red line. The Chinese foreign ministry has previously warned of 'firm measures' over similar steps. The brief warming after the recent Trump-Xi summit could now be tested again.
In markets, the Taiwan benchmark index and TSMC shares traded choppily after the headline crossed. Analysts said the key signals will be whether the White House confirms a date and how Beijing chooses to respond. Officials did not provide details on the proposed agenda for the call.
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