Trump to Speak with Taiwan Leader on Potential Arms Sale

Washington DC. US President Donald Trump has said he will speak with Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te on the subject of a potential arms sale, a step that is far from diplomatic tradition. Since Washington recognized the Beijing government and severed formal ties with Taiwan in 1979, there has been no direct communication between US and Taiwanese leaders.

Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out the possibility of using military force to bring it under control. Lai, who took office in 2024, has been making the strongest efforts in many years to strengthen the island's defense system.