Trump Revives Taiwan Leader Call After Shelving Idea Following Xi Talks

US President Donald Trump has revived the possibility of a direct conversation with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te , weeks after appearing to put the idea on hold following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Friday, Trump said he would “always” talk to Lai when asked whether he still planned to contact the Taiwanese leader. The remark marks a shift from his more cautious stance after last month's summit with Xi, during which Taiwan emerged as one of the most sensitive issues in US-China relations.

The potential call would be unprecedented in modern times, as no sitting US president has publicly held direct talks with a Taiwanese president since Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. China has strongly opposed such contact, warning that it could undermine bilateral ties and send the wrong signal to what it regards as separatist forces in Taiwan.

The issue is unfolding alongside Trump's deliberations over a USD 14 billion arms package for Taiwan , which was approved by Congress earlier this year but still requires presidential approval. Trump previously described Taiwan arms sales as a potential “negotiating chip,” drawing concern from analysts and officials in Taipei.

According to reports, no formal arrangements for a Trump-Lai call have been made. However, Taiwan has indicated it would welcome the conversation. Lai has said he would emphasize the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and highlight Taiwan's growing defense needs.

Meanwhile, Washington's top diplomat in Taipei, Raymond Greene , has urged Taiwan to invest more heavily in drones and other asymmetric defense systems. Analysts say the fate of the arms package may ultimately prove more significant than the proposed phone call in shaping future US-China-Taiwan relations.