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Trump breaks US stance with direct Taiwan call Trump breaks US stance with direct Taiwan call
(about 1 hour later)
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.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.
Mr 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.Mr 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.The move risks angering China, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province.
China has hundreds of missiles pointing towards the island, and has threatened to take it by force if necessary.China has hundreds of missiles pointing towards the island, and has threatened to take it by force if necessary.
Beijing has so far made no public comment on the latest development.Beijing has so far made no public comment on the latest development.
Mr Trump's team also said that the president-elect "congratulated" Ms Tsai on becoming the president of Taiwan in January's elections.Mr Trump's team also said that the president-elect "congratulated" Ms Tsai on becoming the president of Taiwan in January's elections.
The 59-year-old, Taiwan's first female leader, led the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to a landslide victory in the poll.The 59-year-old, 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.The DPP has traditionally leaned towards independence from China.
Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's shy but steely leaderTsai 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. China has offered a "one country, two systems" solution, like Hong Kong, to the dispute. Washington cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979, expressing its support for Beijing's "One China" policy.
However, the US maintains friendly non-official relations with Taiwan. 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.
Meanwhile, Ned Price, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said Mr Trump's conversation did not signal any change to long-standing US policy.
"We remain firmly committed to our 'One China' policy,'' he said on Friday.
"Our fundamental interest is in peaceful and stable cross-strait relations."