President-elect Donald Trump has broken with decades of US diplomatic policy and spoke with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, at the risk of provoking a serious rift with China.
“During the discussion, they noted the close economic, political, and security ties” between Taiwan and the United States, Trump’s office announced on Friday in a read-out of the call.
“President-elect Trump also congratulated President Tsai on becoming President of Taiwan earlier this year,” it said. It was not immediately clear which side initiated the telephone call, one of several Trump has been making with world leaders since his election victory, or if it signals a policy shift.
China regards self-ruling Taiwan as part of its own territory awaiting reunification under Beijing’s rule, and any US move that would imply support for independence would cause grave offence.
Washington cut formal diplomatic relations with the island in 1979 and recognises Beijing as the sole Government of “One China” — while keeping friendly non-official ties with Taipei. But Tsai has refused to accept the concept of “One China,” prompting Beijing to cut off all official communication with the island’s new Government.