Trump Says He Will Speak to Taiwan's Lai on Arms Sale

US President Donald Trump said he will speak to Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te about a possible arms sale, a step that would depart from long-standing diplomatic practice.

US and Taiwanese leaders have not spoken directly since 1979, when Washington cut formal ties with Taiwan to recognize the Beijing government. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out taking it by force. Lai, who took office in 2024, has pushed to strengthen the island's defenses.

The United States is required by law to help Taiwan defend itself but must balance that obligation with its relationship with China. When asked on Wednesday whether he planned to speak to Lai before deciding on arms sales, Trump said, "I'll speak to him. I speak to everybody. We'll work on that, the Taiwan problem."

Trump also praised his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as "amazing" after a two-day summit in Beijing last week. The potential $14 billion arms package reportedly includes anti-drone equipment and air-defense missile systems. Trump said he has not yet decided whether the sale will proceed.

A report by the Financial Times said Beijing is blocking a proposed visit by Pentagon policy official Elbridge Colby until Trump decides how to handle the arms deal. Last week, while returning from Beijing on Air Force One, Trump said he would make a determination on weapons sales to Taiwan over the next fairly short period.

"I have to speak to the person that right now is, you know who he is, that's running Taiwan," he said. During the Beijing visit, Xi warned of conflict between the United States and China if the Taiwan issue is handled poorly. Trump said he made no commitment either way.

Since the meeting, Lai has said Taiwan is a sovereign, independent democratic country and that peace in the Taiwan Strait will not be sacrificed or traded away. He has also called US arms sales a key factor in maintaining regional peace and stability.

This would not be the first time Trump has broken with tradition. In 2016, as president-elect, he spoke to then-leader Tsai Ing-wen. China lodged a complaint over the call. Trump also said he discussed the arms sales in great detail with Xi, another break from US policy. Since 1982 the United States has assured Taiwan that it would not consult Beijing on arms sales. When asked about that commitment, Trump said the 1980s were a long way back.