Pan Men-an: No Notice of Trump-Lai Call, But US-Taiwan Communication Unobstructed
On May 21, Presidential Secretary-General Pan Men-an stated at the legislature that there has been no notification of a potential phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and President Lai Ching-te. He emphasized that communication channels between Taiwan and the U.S. are "unobstructed." Pan cited U.S. affirmations that its Taiwan policy remains unchanged, it is committed to the cross-strait status quo, and military procurement is discussed only with Taiwan. When asked how Taiwan would host Trump if he called, Pan lightheartedly replied, "Bubble tea and stinky tofu are both fine," signaling Taiwan's composed stance.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 11:49
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 12:01 (12 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 21, 2026 at 12:17 (15 min after Collected)
Presidential Secretary-General Pan Men-an stated today that there has been no information received regarding a phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and President Lai Ching-te, but emphasized that Taiwan-U.S. communication is "unobstructed." He cited the U.S. side's reiteration that its policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, it is committed to maintaining the cross-strait status quo, and military procurement issues are discussed only with Taiwan. When asked about a potential invitation and reception for Trump if he were to call President Lai, Pan joked, "Bubble tea and stinky tofu are both fine."
The Legislative Yuan's Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee this morning reviewed the 2026 work plans and budgets for the Presidential Office, the National Security Council (NSC), and Academia Historica. Presidential Secretary-General Pan Men-an, NSC Secretary-General Joseph Wu, and Academia Historica President Chen Yi-shen were in attendance.
DPP legislators Shen Fa-hui and Chuang Jui-hsiung raised concerns related to a hypothetical Trump-Xi meeting. Shen mentioned that after a hypothetical meeting, Trump had spoken about calling the president of Taiwan. He noted that if Trump and President Lai were to have a direct conversation, it would be the first official dialogue of its kind in 40 years of Taiwan-U.S. relations, and asked how the Presidential Office and the NSC would prepare and respond.
Pan Men-an stated that the NSC and the Presidential Office closely monitored the hypothetical Trump-Xi meeting from start to finish, and that the President was fully briefed. The NSC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have a firm grasp of the situation. "Currently, we have not received any information about a phone call. If a call were to happen, we would inform everyone," Pan said.
Shen further asked if the U.S. had conveyed its views on this matter to Taiwan through any channels. Pan responded that relations between Taiwan and the U.S. are "unobstructed." He said the NSC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Presidential Office maintain smooth and excellent communication with the U.S. Congress, the State Department, and the American Institute in Taiwan.
Pan noted that this morning, a U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated via email that America's firm commitment to Taiwan continues, consistent with its stance over the past 40-plus years. "Our policy toward Taiwan has not changed and remains guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three U.S.-China Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances," the spokesperson was quoted as saying. The U.S. looks forward to continuing to work with President Lai and Taiwan's partners to advance mutual interests and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Joseph Wu added that the relationship with the United States remains comprehensively friendly. Regardless of any statements, the structural relationship between the two sides is very amicable, and they maintain close contact at all levels. Wu pointed out that, as widely seen in the media, Taiwan, the U.S., and indeed the entire world share a common interest in the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan's position is aligned with that of the U.S.
Chuang Jui-hsiung asked if contingency plans had been made for a potential call from Trump to President Lai. Pan stressed that communication between Taiwan and the U.S. is unobstructed and urged the public not to worry. He said Taiwan's recent efforts have made it an indispensable security hub in the world. He dismissed concerns that Taiwan could be "negotiated away," assuring the public and noting three key messages from the U.S. side after the hypothetical Trump-Xi meeting: its Taiwan policy is unchanged, it will maintain the cross-strait status quo, and military procurement will be discussed only with Taiwan, not Beijing.
When Chuang asked if Taiwan would invite Trump for a visit if he called, and what they would serve him, Pan said that all proper etiquette would be followed, as dialogue between heads of state has a serious protocol. "I will certainly observe the necessary etiquette, maybe even put President Trump's call on speakerphone," he said, but added that since the matter involves national secrets, the NSC would be responsible for further details.
As for the hospitality, Pan said lightheartedly that he would be fine with treating Trump to bubble tea or even stinky tofu.
The Legislative Yuan's Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee this morning reviewed the 2026 work plans and budgets for the Presidential Office, the National Security Council (NSC), and Academia Historica. Presidential Secretary-General Pan Men-an, NSC Secretary-General Joseph Wu, and Academia Historica President Chen Yi-shen were in attendance.
DPP legislators Shen Fa-hui and Chuang Jui-hsiung raised concerns related to a hypothetical Trump-Xi meeting. Shen mentioned that after a hypothetical meeting, Trump had spoken about calling the president of Taiwan. He noted that if Trump and President Lai were to have a direct conversation, it would be the first official dialogue of its kind in 40 years of Taiwan-U.S. relations, and asked how the Presidential Office and the NSC would prepare and respond.
Pan Men-an stated that the NSC and the Presidential Office closely monitored the hypothetical Trump-Xi meeting from start to finish, and that the President was fully briefed. The NSC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have a firm grasp of the situation. "Currently, we have not received any information about a phone call. If a call were to happen, we would inform everyone," Pan said.
Shen further asked if the U.S. had conveyed its views on this matter to Taiwan through any channels. Pan responded that relations between Taiwan and the U.S. are "unobstructed." He said the NSC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Presidential Office maintain smooth and excellent communication with the U.S. Congress, the State Department, and the American Institute in Taiwan.
Pan noted that this morning, a U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated via email that America's firm commitment to Taiwan continues, consistent with its stance over the past 40-plus years. "Our policy toward Taiwan has not changed and remains guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three U.S.-China Joint Communiqués, and the Six Assurances," the spokesperson was quoted as saying. The U.S. looks forward to continuing to work with President Lai and Taiwan's partners to advance mutual interests and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Joseph Wu added that the relationship with the United States remains comprehensively friendly. Regardless of any statements, the structural relationship between the two sides is very amicable, and they maintain close contact at all levels. Wu pointed out that, as widely seen in the media, Taiwan, the U.S., and indeed the entire world share a common interest in the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan's position is aligned with that of the U.S.
Chuang Jui-hsiung asked if contingency plans had been made for a potential call from Trump to President Lai. Pan stressed that communication between Taiwan and the U.S. is unobstructed and urged the public not to worry. He said Taiwan's recent efforts have made it an indispensable security hub in the world. He dismissed concerns that Taiwan could be "negotiated away," assuring the public and noting three key messages from the U.S. side after the hypothetical Trump-Xi meeting: its Taiwan policy is unchanged, it will maintain the cross-strait status quo, and military procurement will be discussed only with Taiwan, not Beijing.
When Chuang asked if Taiwan would invite Trump for a visit if he called, and what they would serve him, Pan said that all proper etiquette would be followed, as dialogue between heads of state has a serious protocol. "I will certainly observe the necessary etiquette, maybe even put President Trump's call on speakerphone," he said, but added that since the matter involves national secrets, the NSC would be responsible for further details.
As for the hospitality, Pan said lightheartedly that he would be fine with treating Trump to bubble tea or even stinky tofu.