India, May 21 -- Taiwan, on Thursday, said President Lai Ching-te would be happy to talk to US President Donald Trump. Before Taiwan's statement, the US had also shown interest in engaging with Taiwan. On Wednesday, Trump said he would speak with Lai. However, there is no clear update on when the conversation will take place, as it could strain Washington's relations with Beijing.

Last week, during Trump's visit to China for bilateral talks, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned the US that mishandling the Taiwan issue could escalate tensions between the two countries.

There has not been a direct conversation between the US and Taiwan since Washington shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979. China claims Taiwan a...