TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. monitored a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump (川普) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) that addressed Taiwan issues on Monday (Nov. 24). The office confirmed Tuesday it is closely observing the high-level diplomatic exchange, while maintaining close communication with U.S. counterparts regarding the discussion.
Xi reportedly emphasized China's firm stance on Taiwan during the call, stating Taiwan's return is crucial to the post-war international order, according to Xinhua News Agency (新華社). The leaders also discussed Ukraine and soybean trade. Trump announced plans to visit Beijing in April and invited Xi for a subsequent U.S. visit.
Trump praised Xi as a great leader during the discussion, according to China's state media, acknowledging Taiwan's significance to China. The dialogue occurs as Sino-Japanese relations deteriorate and the U.S. pursues a 28-point peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (高市早苗) warned in parliament last week that military actions in Taiwan could trigger Japan's collective self-defense rights, drawing China's discontent. ◼