Trump Says Good Ties With China More Important Than Taiwan Call
- Tells Reuters he would consult Xi before talking to Tsai
- Remarks deal blow to Taiwan’s bid for more U.S. recognition
QuickTake: Taiwan's Tense Relationship With China
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President Donald Trump has curtailed Taiwan’s hopes for greater U.S. recognition, saying he would consult with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping before again talking to Taiwan’s leader.
Trump said in an interview with Reuters that having another phone call with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, like their precedent-breaking conversation in December, risked jeopardizing China’s vital cooperation on North Korea. He was responding to Tsai’s remark earlier this week that a second call was possible even though Trump was now in the White House.