Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone to discuss the delicate state of international relations. According to a report from China's foreign ministry, Xi urged Trump to act with caution regarding weapon sales to Taiwan, calling the island the most sensitive issue between the two nations.

Following the call, Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, pushed back by describing the bond between Taiwan and the United States as "rock solid" and confirming that their partnership remains on track.

The tension follows a major arms deal announced by the US in December, the largest of its kind to date. China responded to that deal by conducting military exercises near the island, though the sale has also faced some political pushback within Taiwan itself. Despite these frictions, Trump described the conversation as "excellent" and noted that the two leaders also touched on several other global issues.