US ties with Taiwan, China not always a triangle: Taipei minister

Top diplomat says Washington's ties with the island should be regarded separately

- Yip Wai Yee Taiwan Correspondent

The United States' ties with Taiwan and China do not always have to be "a triangular relationship", the island's top diplomat Lin Chia-lung said.

He also pointed out that Taiwan's relations with the US should be regarded separately from Washington's ties with Beijing, and these links can be developed simultaneously.

There is concern in some quarters that US President Donald Trump, who is known for his transactional foreign policy, might be pressed to "sell out" the self-ruled island in exchange for a more favourable trade deal with Beijing.

"Of course, we need to pay close attention and care about (this issue), but we should not be overly worried," said Mr Lin at a media briefing in Taipei on Nov 12.

"Trump is said to be a good dealmaker and he hopes to make a good deal. But I believe sacrificing Taiwan's interests will not bring long-term benefits to the US. That is something that we can be quite confident about."

Observers, including several White House officials, are reportedly worried that Mr Trump could walk away from longstanding US policy on Taiwan and openly express opposition to the island's independence.