Taiwan’s Tsai: ‘Happy’ to Chat with Trump, Stirring Diplomatic Waters

Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Republic Street in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the historic buildings, and locals are winding down after a busy day. Now, picture this: a phone call from halfway across the globe, from the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, to the President of the United States, Donald Trump. This isn’t your average international call; it’s a conversation that’s the diplomatic community, stirring up a storm in the usually calm waters of international relations.

Breaking with Tradition

Tsai Ing-wen’s decision to take Trump’s call on December 2nd marked a significant departure from diplomatic protocol. The Taiwanese president, known for her cautious approach, chose to bypass the long-standing ‘One China’ policy, which recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, including Taiwan. This policy has been a cornerstone of U.S.-China relations since 1979. So, why the sudden change?

Tsai, a seasoned politician with a background in law, has been known to tread carefully in her dealings with China. Her decision to take Trump’s call suggests a calculated risk, a departure from the usual diplomatic dance. But why now? And what does it mean for Malta, a small island nation with a big stake in international relations?

Malta’s Stake in the Game

Malta, a Mediterranean island nation with a population of just over 500,000, has long punched above its weight in international affairs. Our strategic location has made us a hub for diplomacy, with embassies from around the world calling our historic city of Valletta home. But our neutrality doesn’t mean we’re immune to the effects of international politics.

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has had a presence in Malta since 1993. The Taiwanese representative office in Malta, located on the bustling street of St. Anne’s Square in Floriana, has been a symbol of the countries’ friendly relations. But with Tsai’s call to Trump, those relations could be set to change.

Trump’s Taiwan Gambit

Trump’s phone call with Tsai was the first of its kind since the U.S. established diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1979. The call was seen as a departure from the U.S.’s long-standing ‘One China’ policy, a policy that has been a source of contention for many years. Trump’s decision to take the call was seen as a move to put pressure on China, a country with which the U.S. has had a complex relationship.

But what does this mean for Taiwan? And, more importantly, what does it mean for Malta? As a small island nation, we’ve always had to of international relations with care. Tsai’s decision to take Trump’s call could have far-reaching implications, not just for Taiwan and the U.S., but for countries like Malta, too.

Malta, with its strategic location and historic ties to both China and the U.S., could find itself in a unique position. Our neutrality could make us an ideal hub for diplomatic discussions, a place where both sides can meet to discuss the future of U.S.-China relations. But it could also make us a target, a small island caught in the crosshairs of two global superpowers.

how this diplomatic drama will play out. But one thing is clear: the phone call between Tsai and Trump has set the stage for a new chapter in international relations. And as Malta looks to the future, we must be ready to of this new scene, ready to seize the opportunities that come our way, and ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

As Tsai herself said, “I’m happy to talk to him [Trump] at any time.” The question is, are we ready to listen?