Trump calls Taiwan leader, breaking foreign policy

President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone for the first time with leader Tsai Ing-wen, breaking with US foreign policy set in 1979, when formal relations were severed.

“During their discussion, they emphasized the close economic, political, and security ties” between Taiwan and the United States, Trump’s office said. President-elect Trump also congratulated Tsai on becoming Taiwan’s leader this year on Dec. 2.

The event risks angering mainland China. This is the first time a US president or president-elect has spoken by phone with a Taiwanese leader since diplomatic relations between the US and Taiwan were severed in 1979, according to the Financial Times.

After the phone call, the White House reaffirmed its support for the "One China" policy. "There is no change in our long-standing policy on cross-strait issues," AFP quoted National Security spokeswoman Emily Horne as saying.

Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen. Photo: Independent

"We remain firmly committed to the 'One China' policy based on the three Joint Communiques and the Taiwan Relations Act. Our fundamental interest lies in peaceful and stable cross-strait relations," Horne said.

Washington cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognized Beijing as the sole government of "One China", while maintaining informal friendly relations with Taipei.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. Tsai has refused to acknowledge the "One China" policy, prompting Beijing to cut off all official contact with the island's new government.

According to VNE