Taiwan's President William Lai Ching-te has stated he would be "happy" to speak with former U.S. President Donald Trump, a potential conversation that would defy over four decades of diplomatic precedent and risk escalating tensions with China.

Such a direct exchange between the leaders of Taiwan and the U.S. has not occurred since Washington officially shifted diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. This established practice has been a cornerstone of U.S.-China relations, with Beijing viewing Taiwan as a renegade province.

Trump himself indicated on Wednesday that he would speak with Lai, amid deliberations within the White House regarding a significant arms package sale to Taiwan. This remark followed a previous instance after his summit in Beijing where he also mentioned speaking with the Taiwanese leader, dispelling initial speculation that his comments were accidental.

The implications of such a conversation could be substantial, potentially altering the delicate geopolitical balance in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan relies heavily on U.S. support for its defense and deterrence against potential Chinese aggression.

President Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to maintaining the "stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait," while characterizing "China [as] the disruptor of peace and stability," according to a statement from the island’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He reiterated his willingness to "discuss these matters with President Trump."

Trump, in his remarks, stated, "I’ll speak to him. I speak to everybody," and added that he had a "great meeting" with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit to Beijing. He also indicated a desire to "work on that, the Taiwan problem."

Following his Beijing trip, Trump suggested that arms sales to Taiwan could serve as a bargaining chip in U.S.-China relations. This comes as the U.S. is evaluating a new arms sales package for Taiwan, potentially valued at around $14 billion.

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the U.S. is legally obligated under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. Taiwan's government has been actively asserting that U.S. policy toward the island remains unchanged and that Trump made no commitments to China regarding arms sales.