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Trump breaks US policy stance with direct Taiwan call Trump breaks US policy 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.
But Mr Trump tweeted that Ms Tsai had called him, to congratulate him on winning the US election.But Mr Trump tweeted that Ms Tsai had called him, to congratulate him on winning the US election.
Meanwhile his team said that the US president-elect had congratulated also Ms Tsai on becoming the president of Taiwan in January's elections.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.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."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.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.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.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.Beijing has so far made no public comment on the latest development.
From concern to alarm and anger - Carrie Gracie, BBC China editor, BeijingFrom concern to alarm and anger - Carrie Gracie, BBC China editor, Beijing
The president elect's decision to turn his back on four decades of US protocol on Taiwan and speak directly to a president of Taiwan will stun policymakers in Beijing.The president elect's decision to turn his back on four decades of US protocol on Taiwan and speak directly to a president of Taiwan will stun policymakers in Beijing.
Since his election last month, they have struggled to understand who is advising Donald Trump on Asia and what his China policy will look like.Since his election last month, they have struggled to understand who is advising Donald Trump on Asia and what his China policy will look like.
This move will turn concern into alarm and anger.This move will turn concern into alarm and anger.
Beijing sees Taiwan as a province and denying it any of the trappings of an independent state is one of the key priorities of Chinese foreign policy.Beijing sees Taiwan as a province and denying it any of the trappings of an independent state is one of the key priorities of Chinese foreign policy.
Read more from Carrie:The Trump phone call that will stun Beijing
President Tsai, Taiwan's first female leader, led the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to a landslide victory in the poll.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.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.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.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.The US still maintains friendly non-official relations with Taiwan.
Following Mr Trump's telephone conversation, the White House said the US remained firmly committed to its "One China" policy.Following Mr 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."Our fundamental interest is in peaceful and stable cross-strait relations," said Ned Price, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council.
Meanwhile, Mr 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.Meanwhile, Mr 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.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.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.