Why a Trump call to Taiwan’s Lai could trigger ‘turbulence’ between Washington and Beijing
South China Morning Post • • nation
Key Points:
- Beijing strongly opposes any official interactions between the US and Taiwan, responding to President Donald Trump's openness to speaking with Taiwan's leader William Lai Ching-te.
- Chinese authorities warn such a move would cross a "red line" and undermine progress from Trump's recent summit with President Xi Jinping.
- The Chinese foreign ministry urges the US to adhere to the consensus reached during the summit and handle the Taiwan issue with caution to maintain stable Sino-US relations.
- Beijing continues to assert that Taiwan is part of China and reserves the right to reunify the island by force if necessary.
- Analysts believe that while China's stance is firm, a direct call between Trump and Taiwan's leader remains highly unlikely.