Trump to Speak with Taiwan Leader on Potential Arms Sale

US President Donald Trump stated he will speak with Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te regarding a potential arms sale, a move that breaks diplomatic tradition. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory, and the US is legally obligated to provide Taiwan with self-defense tools while balancing relations with China. Trump previously spoke with then-Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen upon his election in 2016, a move that China protested.