Trump says he will speak to Taiwan's president in break from protocol

May 21, 2026

President Donald Trump announced he intends to speak directly with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te regarding a potential $14 billion arms sale, marking a significant break from established diplomatic protocol that has prevented direct communication between US and Taiwanese leaders since 1979. This development follows Trump's recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Taiwan emerged as a critical issue in US-China relations, with Xi warning that mishandling could lead to conflict between the superpowers. China has strongly objected to both the proposed conversation and arms sale, emphasizing its opposition to official US-Taiwan exchanges and weapon transfers to the island it claims as its territory.

Who is affected

US President Donald Trump
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te
Chinese President Xi Jinping
Pentagon official Elbridge Colby (whose planned visit to Beijing is being held up)
The governments and populations of the United States, Taiwan, and China
Taiwan's defense forces and citizens concerned about security
"Separatist forces in Taiwan" (as referenced by China's foreign ministry)

What action is being taken

Trump is planning to speak with Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te about arms sales
China is holding up a proposed visit by Pentagon official Elbridge Colby
Taiwan is ramping up its defense spending under President Lai
China is lodging diplomatic objections through its foreign ministry spokesperson
Taiwan's foreign ministry is responding that Lai would be "happy" to discuss issues with Trump

Why it matters

This matters because it represents a significant departure from nearly 45 years of diplomatic protocol designed to maintain a delicate balance between US support for Taiwan and its relationship with China, which considers Taiwan its territory. Direct communication between US and Taiwanese leaders risks inflaming tensions with Beijing at a time when Xi has already warned that poor handling of the Taiwan issue could lead to conflict between the world's two largest superpowers. The situation is particularly significant given Taiwan's strategic importance, China's growing military pressure on the island, and the potential for miscalculation that could destabilize the entire Indo-Pacific region.

What's next

Trump will speak to President Lai about the arms sale decision
Trump will make a determination about the $14 billion arms package "over the next fairly short period"
Lai and Trump may discuss maintaining the stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait
Trump indicated they will "work on that, the Taiwan problem"

Read full article from source: BBC