WASHINGTON: Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te said Thursday he would be “happy” to talk to US leader Donald Trump — a conversation that would break more than four decades of diplomatic protocol and risk angering China. Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he would speak to Lai, as the White House weighs arms sales to the democratic island. It was the second time since a summit in Beijing last week that Trump has said he would call the Taiwanese leader.

Taiwan expresses readiness for President Lai to speak with Trump, signaling potential changes in U.S. policy amid China tensions.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te says if given the chance, he would tell U.S. President Donald Trump that he hopes to continue U.S. arms purchases and that they are essential for…