By: Savannah Smith | 12-04-2016 | News
Photo credit: The Goldwater

Trump Issues A Rejoinder On The " Much Ado About Nothing" Taiwan Call

President-elect Donald Trump has been receiving and accommodating many congratulatory calls from world leaders since his upset victory in the U.S. election. Such is merely part of diplomacy and international relations courtesies.

The 45th President of America has also spoken with the president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen for ten minutes where they both congratulated each other for their respective victories. Tsai Ing-wen was elected on January this year. Trump's transition team said the two leaders noted " close economic, political and security ties" between the U.S, and Taiwan.

Trump also tweeted about the call with a simple, factual statement: " The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency. Thank you!"

Yet after that little call, there have been wild reactions from various parties. The White House was quick to reiterate that the call does not signal a change in the 'One China' policy of the U.S. China on the other hand immediately blamed Taiwan for the call describing its efforts as " petty" and declaring that it can no longer change the already established One China structure the international community adheres to. Then there's the mainstream media warning that Trump's conversation with the Taiwan leader could anger China and hit Trump for not getting proper advice on diplomatic matters.

Trump's transition team has clarified that the incoming president is aware of the One China policy, and even if that is the first call made by a U.S. president or president-elect since the U.S. institutionalized its One China policy in the late 70s. Trump knows what he's doing and a phone call should be appreciated for being just that- a phone call.

The President-elect could not help but send another statement via Twitter, hinting of sarcasm with the wild reactions: " Interesting how the U.S. sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call."

Then after merely dismissing the call as a petty effort on the part of Taiwan, China in less than 24 hours quickly changed its tone and lodged " stern representations" with what it called relevant U.S. side urging the careful handling of the Taiwan issue to avoid " unnecessary disturbances" in the relations of the U.S. and China.

China's media reacted more violently, with the influential state-run The Global Times saying in an online editorial that should Trump overturn the One China policy of the U.S. once he assumes office, " it would create such a crisis with China he'd have little time to do anything else." Then the editorial tried to soften the strong threat with the statement that they believe it's not something the " shrewd Trump" would want to do.

Trump has yet to respond to the latest overkill reactions. One thing is for sure, the next American President stood against bullies from all sides during the campaign- from the White House, Hillary and Democrats, other supposed allies, mainstream media and still won the battle, as President he certainly won't allow bullying especially on such inconsequential matters as phone calls.

Share this article
Thoughts on the above story? Comment below!
0 comment/s
What do you think about this article?
Name
Comment *
Image

Recent News

Popular Stories