Trump's Call with Taiwan President Was a 'Courtesy Call': Mike Pence

By Precious Gem de Peralta
Donald Trump speaking at CPAC 2011 in Washington, D.C.
President-elect Trump has used the Twitter again to announce the call he received from Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. He also responded to his critics who have not taken the call lightly. Furthermore, he expressed his dislike in China for devaluing their currency, heavily taxing US products that enter their country and establishing massive military complex in the South China Sea. Gage Skidmore via Flickr

President-elect Donald Trump's tweets have always attracted so much attention. It's as controversial as almost everything else he says. However, the next US President has recently been scrutinized for a phone call initiated by Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. In the usual Trump fashion, he went to Twitter to confirm the said call. Though some analysts have shrugged it off as a minor mistake, his later tweet directed to China was not taken lightly by his critics.

Trump has always been antagonistic of China since his campaign. He brought it up again after he let the public know about his talk with President Tsai. Trump pointed out what China has done to hurt the US that includes devaluing their currency. This gave Chinese companies an unfair advantage against US companies. Thus, Trump's complaint that it has made it hard for American companies to compete in such a market. He also added that the Communist country is putting too much tax on US products that enter their country. This is contrary to the US' tax policy on Chinese products. Furthermore, Trump made note of country's massive military complex in the South China Sea.

Trump's statement in Twitter regarding China is a complete opposite of his view of Taiwan, or at least Taiwan's President. He said, "The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!" According to Reuters, the phone conversation between of Trump with the world leader has prompted "diplomatic protest in China". In fact, the New York Times reported that the Chinese government has called White House. Perhaps to respond to his critics, he later tweeted, "Interesting how the U.S. sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call."

Vice President-elect Mike Pence came into his defense. He assured that the call does not mean there would be any shift to the US' policy towards China. Pence said that it was only a "courtesy call". He added, "The democratically elected president of Taiwan called to congratulate the president-elect." Reuters reported that this one call is actually the first by a US president-elect or president with a Taiwanese leader. This is since President Jimmy Carter decided to form diplomatic relations with China in 1979, according to CNN.

Pence also informed the public that the call with President Tsai is akin to Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping's phone conversation when he won the US Presidential Election. He reiterated on NBC's Meet the Press that there was "not a discussion about policy". China has to know that it "was a moment of courtesy" and nothing else that should trigger tensions between the two world powers.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories