AssetID: 55716970
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Trump Plans Direct Call With Taiwan's President
Caption: Trump Plans Direct Call With Taiwan’s President. President Donald Trump says he plans to speak directly with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te about a possible US arms sale — a move that would break decades of diplomatic tradition. The United States has not held official direct talks with a Taiwanese leader since 1979, when Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing. Trump said he would “speak to everybody” as his administration considers approving a reported $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan, including anti-drone systems and air-defense missiles. China views Taiwan as its territory and strongly opposes foreign military support for the island. During Trump’s recent summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly warned that Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues between the two powers. Meanwhile, Lai says Taiwan is a sovereign democracy and insists US weapons support is critical for maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait. The possible Trump-Lai call is already raising tensions between Washington and Beijing. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Donald Trump,planned call with Lai Ching-te,Taiwan,US arms sale,anti-drone systems,air-defense missiles,diplomatic tensions,China,Xi Jinping,Beijing-Washington relations,Taiwan Strait security,sovereignty dispute,US foreign policy
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