Trump Says He Will Talk to President Lai; Taiwan's US Representative Office Says Communication is Maintained

(CNA, Washington, 20th, by reporter Hou Tze-ying) U.S. President Trump stated today that he will speak with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te. In response to media inquiries in the evening, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) stated that Taiwan and the U.S. maintain good and close communication, and as President Lai has said, if the opportunity arises, he will reflect the opinions of Taiwanese society. Any further information will be announced by the U.S. side. Donald Trump visited China last week and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. After the meeting, Trump said he would soon make a decision on a new batch of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and that he would talk with "the person who governs Taiwan." When asked by the media today if he plans to call President Lai before making a decision on arms sales to Taiwan, Trump replied, "I'll talk to him, I talk to everyone," but did not elaborate on a timeline. Regarding Trump's statement about talking with President Lai, TECRO responded via a media group in the evening, stating, "Taiwan and the U.S. maintain good and close communication. As President Lai has said, if there is an opportunity, he will reflect the opinions of Taiwanese society. 'If there is any further news, it will be announced by the U.S. side.'" Pan Men-an, Secretary-General to the President, stated in Taipei on the 21st that he has not yet received information about a call between Trump and President Lai, but that Taiwan-U.S. communication is "unimpeded." President Lai previously responded to media questions by stating that if he has the opportunity to speak with Trump, he will emphasize that enhancing national defense capabilities and military procurement from the U.S. are necessary means to safeguard Taiwan's security and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. "We hope this military procurement can continue." Lai also said he would stress that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential elements for world security and prosperity, that the Taiwan government maintains the status quo with neither subservience nor hostility, and that Taiwan is a guardian of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China is the one undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.