Trump taiwan call breaks us policy stance
You're referring to the controversy surrounding President Trump's phone call with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in December 2016.
Prior to Trump's call, the United States had maintained a decades-long policy of recognizing the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate government of China, and not having official diplomatic relations with Taiwan. This policy was based on the "One China" principle, which acknowledges the PRC's sovereignty over Taiwan.
However, during his presidential campaign, Trump had hinted at being open to re-evaluating the US relationship with Taiwan, which led to concerns among China and other countries that he might be willing to challenge the status quo.
On December 2, 2016, Trump spoke with Tsai Ing-wen, becoming the first US president or president-elect to speak directly with a Taiwanese leader since Jimmy Carter in 1979. The call was seen as a significant departure from the US's traditional policy stance on Taiwan.
The Trump administration's decision to break with precedent was met with criticism from China, which viewed the call as a threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" to the call, and the Chinese government summoned the US ambassador to Beijing to protest the move.
The US State Department later clarified that the call was not a change in policy, but rather a "routine" conversation between two leaders. However, the incident highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration's stance on Taiwan and its willingness to challenge the established order in the region.
In the years since, the Trump administration has continued to maintain a complex and nuanced relationship with Taiwan, with the US providing military aid and support to the island while also maintaining diplomatic relations with China. The Biden administration has also continued this approach, with the US reaffirming its commitment to the "One China" principle while also strengthening ties with Taiwan.