US President-elect Donald Trump has spoken directly with the president of Taiwan – breaking with US policy set in 1979 when formal relations were cut.
Trump’s transition team said he and Tsai Ing-wen noted “close economic, political, and security ties” between the US and Taiwan in a phone call.
The move risks angering China, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province.
But Trump tweeted that Ms Tsai had called him, to congratulate him on winning the US election.
The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 3, 2016
Interesting how the U.S. sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 3, 2016
Meanwhile his team said that the US president-elect had congratulated also Ms Tsai on becoming the president of Taiwan in January’s elections.
It is highly unusual for a US president or president-elect to speak to a Taiwanese leader directly.
Following media reports pointing out the risks of angering China, Mr Trump tweeted: “Interesting how the US sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call.”
The White House has said Mr Trump’s conversation did not signal any change in US policy.
Mr Trump’s spokeswoman said Mr Trump was “well aware” of what US policy has been on Taiwan.
China has hundreds of missiles pointing towards Taiwan, and has threatened to use force if it seeks independence.
Beijing has so far made no public comment on the latest development.
President Tsai, Taiwan’s first female leader, led the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to a landslide victory in the poll.
The DPP has traditionally leaned towards independence from China.
Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s shy but steely leader
Washington cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979, expressing its support for Beijing’s “One China” policy.
President Tsai’s administration does not accept the policy, which states that the Taiwan is part of China.
The US still maintains friendly non-official relations with Taiwan.
Following Trump’s telephone conversation, the White House said the US remained firmly committed to its “One China” policy.
“Our fundamental interest is in peaceful and stable cross-strait relations,” said Ned Price, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council.
Meanwhile, Trump is also reported to have invited President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines to the White House next year during a “very engaging, animated” phone conversation, according to one of Mr Duterte’s aides.
But a statement issued by Trump’s transition team made no mention of an invitation.
The Philippines leader has had disagreements with President Barack Obama and has in the past insulted him. Mr Obama cancelled a planned meeting with him in September.
