Trump Vows to Talk to Taiwan’s President Amid Rising Tensions

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴淸德) on May 20 pushed back against Beijing’s characterization of his second‑anniversary address as an independence bid, declaring, “Whatever you call it, Taiwan is already a sovereign, independent country.” He also voiced optimism after reports that U.S. President Donald Trump plans to speak with him.

President Lai Ching-te stressed Taiwan’s status as a sovereign, independent country in his second‑anniversary address on May 20./Taiwan Lianhebao (聯合報).

Beijing sources familiar with cross‑Strait relations told reporters on May 21 that Lai, speaking the previous day at the 67th meeting of the Central Standing Committee of the 21st term, called May 20 “the historic inauguration day of the president and vice president elected in Taiwan’s first direct election, held 30 years ago.”

He added that electing the president by popular vote not only embodies popular sovereignty but also concretely demonstrates that the people are the nation’s sovereign, helping to define Taiwan’s political identity.

He went on to say, “Whether you call Taiwan the Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), or simply Taiwan, it is already a sovereign, independent country.” He also noted that that morning he had met with veteran democrats who formerly served as DPP chairs — the leaders who advanced Taiwan’s democratization and the introduction of direct presidential elections.

Separately, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Lai remains committed to maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait and would be willing to discuss related issues with President Trump if the opportunity arises.

Taiwan’s representative office in the United States (the equivalent of an embassy) said Taipei and Washington maintain close communication and that the U.S. side will announce any further developments.

When asked on May 20 whether he planned to speak with Lai about U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, President Trump told reporters, “I will talk to him,” and said the U.S. would work to address the Taiwan issue. He did not specify when the call would take place.

If a call does occur between President Trump and President Lai, Beijing would almost certainly react angrily. Since the U.S. established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1979 and ended formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, no sitting U.S. president has engaged in direct talks with a Taiwanese president. That precedent highlights how uncertain and potentially turbulent cross‑Strait relations could become.