President Trump is no longer expected to speak with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te before Chinese President Xi Jinping's potential visit to the United States this fall, according to multiple sources.
During Trump's visit to China, Xi warned that Taiwan could become a "very dangerous situation" if mishandled.
Trump had indicated in mid-May that he would speak with Lai before deciding on a new package of defensive military weapons for the self-governed island. No sitting US president has spoken directly with a Taiwanese leader since 1979 due to diplomatic sensitivities, though then-President-elect Trump received a congratulatory call from former Taiwanese President Tsai Ying-wen in 2016.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing opposes any "official exchanges" between the US and Taiwan. Trump told Fox News he planned to hold weapons sales "in abeyance," depending on China's actions, suggesting arming Taiwan could be a "negotiating chip."
A $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, under consideration since January, remains unsigned by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the sale was put on "pause" to ensure sufficient munitions for US operations in Iran.
Taiwan's de facto embassy in the US said it is still waiting to hear about a phone call. Trump has invited Xi to visit September 24, though China has not yet accepted.