Taiwan’s Tsai: “Happy” to Chat with Trump, Upending Diplomatic Norms

In the heart of Taipei, the bustling streets of Ximending, a group of students huddle around a smartphone, eyes wide as they watch President Tsai Ing-wen’s latest press conference. The usually calm Tsai, known for her measured tone, breaks into a smile, “I’m happy to talk to him,” she says, referring to US President Donald Trump. A departure from diplomatic protocol that has the island nation buzzing.

Diplomatic Dance: A Brief History

Malta, with its strategic location and historic ties to both China and Taiwan, has long been a silent observer to this diplomatic tango. Since 1979, the US has recognized the People’s Republic of China, not the Republic of China (Taiwan). This means, officially, there’s no “Taiwan” on the world map. Yet, unofficially, Taiwan exists, thrives even, with a strong economy and vibrant democracy.

Diplomatic relations between the US and Taiwan are conducted through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a de facto embassy. Phone calls between leaders are rare, and when they happen, they’re carefully choreographed. Until now.

Trump’s Call: A New Chapter?

Trump’s call to Tsai, the first such contact between US and Taiwanese leaders in decades, has sparked a flurry of speculation. Was it a diplomatic blunder or a calculated move? In Malta, where the Mediterranean Sea mirrors the global political stage, opinions are divided.

At the historic Auberge de Castille in Valletta, Malta’s former foreign minister, Alexander Borg, muses, “It’s a significant departure from the status quo. Whether it’s a sign of things to come or a one-off incident remains to be seen.”

China’s Response: A Storm Brewing

China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province, has reacted with predictable fury. State media has warned of “necessary measures” if the US continues to challenge the “One China” policy. In Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, protestors hold signs reading, “Taiwan is part of China. Period.”

Back in Taipei, Tsai remains unfazed. In a press conference at the Presidential Office Building, she reiterates, “We will not provoke conflicts or incidents. We will continue to maintain the status quo.” A status quo, it seems, that’s suddenly anything but quiet.

As the world watches, waiting for Trump’s next move, one thing is clear: the Taiwan Strait, once a calm body of water, is now a churning sea of uncertainty. And in Malta, where history and geopolitics collide, eyes are on Washington, Beijing, and Taipei, ready for the next wave.