(BBC) Trump breaks US policy stance with direct Taiwan call

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38191711

Trump breaks US policy stance with direct Taiwan call

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• From the sectionUS & Canada

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Image copyrightAP

Image captionDonald Trump's team said he "congratulated" Tsai Ing-wen on becoming the president of Taiwan in January

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.

The move risks angering China, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Mr Trump tweeted that Ms Tsai called him, to congratulate him on winning the US election.

His team said that the president-elect "congratulated" Ms Tsai on becoming the president of Taiwan in January's elections.

Image copyrightTWITTER

It is highly unusual for a US president or president-elect to speak to a Taiwanese leader directly.

The White House has said Mr Trump's conversation did not signal any change in US policy.

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.

Image copyrightEPA

Image captionMs Tsai's presidency is expected to see a change in the relationship between Taipei and Beijing

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 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.

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.

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.