Lai Signals Openness to Trump Talk Amid $14 Billion Taiwan Arms Review

Taiwan’s President Lai said he would welcome a call from former President Trump while the US weighs a roughly $14 billion arms package for the island. Such a conversation would break a 45‑year silence between the two leaders.

Since the United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, no sitting or former US president has spoken directly with Taiwan’s leader. President William Lai Ching‑te told reporters he would be happy to talk with Donald Trump, calling the potential dialogue a chance to discuss cross‑strait stability. Trump responded that he would speak with Lai and noted he talks to everybody, adding that he had a recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The last known contact between a US president and a Taiwanese leader occurred in 1979 when President Jimmy Carter announced the shift in recognition.

The White House is reviewing a proposed arms sale to Taiwan that could be valued at about $14 billion. Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US is obligated to help Taiwan maintain a self‑defense capability, even without formal diplomatic ties. Lai’s government says US policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged and views the arms package as a routine procurement.

A direct Trump‑Lai call would mark the first high‑level US‑Taiwan contact in over four decades, likely drawing sharp criticism from Beijing. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has warned that any arms sales or official talks could be seen as provocative. Regional allies such as Japan and the Philippines have expressed concern that heightened tensions could disrupt trade routes. The timing of the arms review suggests Washington may be using defense aid as leverage in its broader negotiations with China.

Observers will watch whether Trump follows through soon on the call and whether Congress approves the proposed $14 billion package in the coming weeks.