Two senior Obama administration officials have called Chinese officials to reassure them that the U.S. is still committed to a “one China” policy, despite President-elect Donald Trump’s historic conversation with the president of Taiwan.
Mr. Obama’s high-level national security aides a sought to mollify Chinese leaders who are said to be alarmed by Mr. Trump’s conversation with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, the first communication between leaders of the U.S. and Taiwan since 1979.
Mr. Trump has portrayed the conversation on Friday as merely accepting a congratulatory phone call from the Taiwanese leader, but others close to him said the move was planned long in advance and portends a tougher stand against China.
The White House reacted with consternation Monday to Mr. Trump’s call.
“It’s a sensitive matter,” said White House press secretary Josh Earnest. “Some of the progress we have made in our relationship with China could be undermined by this issue flaring up. It’s also unclear how the people who live in Taiwan benefit from this issue flaring up. The response from the Chinese government in the aftermath of this call has primarily been to ratchet up the rhetoric against Taiwan. These are significant issues.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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