Taiwan on Thursday said President Lai Ching-te would be willing to speak directly with U.S. President Donald Trump, raising the possibility of an unprecedented conversation between the leaders of the United States and Taiwan.

The move could further strain already tense relations between Washington and Beijing, while also influencing the future of a major U.S. arms package currently under consideration for the island.

US and Taiwanese presidents have not spoken directly since Washington formally switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 under the “One China” policy.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has repeatedly warned against official contact between Taipei and foreign governments, especially the United States.

Trump Signals Possible Talks

Trump said on Wednesday that he intended to speak with Lai, marking the second time within a week he publicly mentioned possible talks with the Taiwanese leader.

The repeated comments reduced speculation that Trump’s earlier remarks following his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing had been accidental or offhand.

Responding to Trump’s remarks, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said Lai would welcome the opportunity for dialogue.

“In addition to being committed to maintaining the stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait, President Lai is also happy to discuss these matters with President Trump,” the ministry said.

The ministry did not say when any conversation might take place.

Taiwan Stresses Peace And Stability

Taiwan reiterated Lai’s earlier position that his government remains committed to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

According to Taipei, Lai would use any potential conversation with Trump to underline concerns about what Taiwan describes as China’s growing pressure and military activities in the region.

Taiwan’s government has consistently rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims and insists only the people of Taiwan can decide the island’s future.

Arms Deal In Focus

The possible Trump-Lai talks come as Washington considers approving a fresh arms sales package for Taiwan reportedly worth around $14 billion.

The package, first reported by Reuters, would further strengthen Taiwan’s defence capabilities amid increasing Chinese military pressure around the island.

Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo said the United States had repeatedly reassured Taipei that its Taiwan policy remained unchanged.

Speaking in parliament on Thursday, Koo said maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait remained a core American interest.

He also stressed that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan were based on the Taiwan Relations Act, the 1979 law that requires Washington to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.

“Given that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, I think we remain cautiously optimistic about arms purchases,” Koo said.

China Likely To React Strongly

Beijing has long opposed American arms sales and political engagement with Taiwan, viewing them as interference in China’s internal affairs.

China has never ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control and has increased military pressure on the island in recent years through war games, naval activity and air incursions near Taiwanese territory.

A direct conversation between Trump and Lai would likely trigger a sharp response from Beijing, which closely monitors all high-level contact between Taiwan and foreign leaders.

(with inputs from Reuters)