Trump says the US doesn't need to be tied to the "One China" policy.
"I fully understand the 'One China' policy, but I don't know why we have to be subject to a 'One China' policy unless we make a deal with China that requires us to do other things, including trade," Trump told Fox.
By Caren Bohan and David Brunnstrom
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US President-elect Donald Trump said the US does not necessarily need to maintain its position that Taiwan is part of a "one China," questioning nearly four decades of policy.
Trump's remarks on "Fox News Sunday" came after he sparked a diplomatic protest from China over his decision to accept a phone call from the president of Taiwan on December 2nd.
"I fully understand the 'One China' policy, but I don't know why we have to be subject to a 'One China' policy unless we make a deal with China that requires us to do other things, including trade," Trump told Fox.
Trump's phone call with President Tsai Ing-wen was the first contact with Taiwan by a US president-elect or sitting president since President Jimmy Carter changed diplomatic recognition of Taiwan to China in 1979, viewing Taiwan as part of "One China".
Beijing considers Taiwan a renegade province, and the issue is sensitive in China.
China expressed "serious concern" on Monday following Trump's comments.
China's Foreign Ministry said cooperation is "out of the question" if Washington does not recognize Beijing's interest in Taiwan, indicating it will reject any efforts by Trump to use the issue as a bargaining chip in a long list of trade and security problems facing the two countries.
"China has taken note of the report and expresses serious concern about it. I want to emphasize that the Taiwan issue pertains to Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity, and involves China's core interests," said ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang.