The conversation breaks with US policy set in 1979 when formal diplomatic ties were cut.

Washington backs Beijing’s One China stance, which states Taiwan is a province of China.

Taiwan is not recognised as sovereign state by many countries and is not a member of the United Nations.

The conversation was affable according to Taiwanese spokesperson Alex Huang:

Interesting how the U.S. sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 3 dicembre 2016

“During the conversation, President Tsai and president-elect Mr Trump not only had a friendly talk, greeting each other, but also shared their views on a few points about future policies, especially enhancing local economic development, strengthening national defence, including providing better living and security to Taiwanese people
Cross-strait relations between Taiwan and China and a healthy Taiwan-U.S. relationship can be pursued in parallel, and there is no conflict about that.”

The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 3 dicembre 2016

The Chinese say the call was a ‘just a petty trick by Taiwan’ and current US thinking on Taiwan will remain. (Euronews)