President-elect Donald Trump defended his call to the Taiwanese president in a series of tweets Sunday, a breach of diplomatic protocol as the U.S. shifted recognition from Taiwan to China nearly 40 years ago. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen called Trump Friday to congratulate him on the election in a call set up by an American third party. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory to be retaken by force, if necessary, if it seeks independence. The Taiwanese presidential office said Trump and Tsai discussed issues affecting Asia and the future of U.S. relations with Taiwan. Taiwan's presidential office spokesman, Alex Huang, said separately that Taiwan's relations with China and "healthy" Taiwan-U.S. relations can proceed in parallel.

Source: Fox News December 05, 2016 06:59 UTC