Trump Delays Taiwan Call Amidst China Tensions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, CBS News reported, citing informed sources, that a planned telephone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has been temporarily halted and is no longer expected to occur before a potential visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States in the fall.
The American media outlet added that this development comes amidst ongoing high tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan, which China considers a part of its territory.
CBS News stated that Trump had previously indicated he might discuss the sale of a new arms package to Taiwan directly with the island’s leader, but the final decision on this matter has now been deferred. This comes as a $14 billion arms sale package has yet to be approved by the U.S. State Department.
China has vehemently opposed any official contact between the United States and officials from the self-governing island of Taiwan, warning that such actions could increase tensions. Conversely, Taiwan has emphasized that its communications with Washington remain open and stable, and the current status quo in the Taiwan Strait should be maintained.
