Taiwan Open to Direct Trump–Lai Call After US–China Summit

No U.S. president has held a direct call with a Taiwanese leader since Washington switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.

In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (C) is accompanied by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (2nd R), as officials wave national flags as they attend a New Year flag raising ceremony at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan, on Jan. 1, 2026. Taiwan Presidential Office via AP

Taiwan has offered to arrange a direct phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.

Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi made the offer on Monday as Taipei tries to ease concerns triggered by Trump’s remarks following his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.