Taiwan says President Lai would be happy to talk to Trump

TAIPEI, May 21 (Reuters) - Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that President Lai Ching-te would be happy to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump, in what would be an unprecedented move. 

U.S. and Taiwanese presidents have not spoken directly since Washington shifted diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taipei in 1979. China considers Taiwan its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under Beijing's control.

Trump said on Wednesday he would speak to Lai, but gave no details.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry reiterated comments Lai made earlier on Wednesday that if he got the opportunity to speak to Trump, he would say China is undermining peace and his government will keep the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

"In addition to being committed to maintaining the stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait, President Lai is also happy to discuss these matters with President Trump," the ministry added, without elaborating.

In late 2016 then President-elect Trump broke decades of U.S. diplomatic precedent by speaking directly, by telephone, with then-Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.

Beijing has been angered by longstanding U.S. military support for Taiwan to deter Chinese military action, including arms sales.

Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Kim Coghill and Stephen Coates)