US President Donald Trump said he would speak with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, a move that would break over four decades of diplomatic protocol. US and Taiwan leaders have not spoken since Washington shifted diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. This departure from precedent is expected to be an affront to China.
The discussions will center on a stalled $14 billion arms deal. While President Trump has mentioned the arms package as a negotiating chip with China, sowing uncertainty about vital US support, President Lai has stated he would be happy to speak with Trump. Lai hopes to continue US arms purchases, which he describes as essential for peace.
President Trump has indicated he will work on the Taiwan problem during the proposed call, and he previously issued a warning to Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China. To ease Trump's worries about a conflict erupting, President Lai has portrayed Taiwan as a steady hand in its face-off with China.