Krauthammer on Trump's conversation with Taiwan: 'The Chinese are extremely sensitive'

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Krauthammer on Trump chat with Taiwanese president

Charles Krauthammer said that a telephone conversation between President-elect Trump and the Taiwanese president was not only politically incorrect, but it could have consequences for the United States relationship with China.

Syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer said Friday on “Special Report with Bret Baier” that a telephone conversation between President-elect Trump and the Taiwanese president was not only politically incorrect, but it could have consequences for the United States’ relationship with China.

“The Chinese are extremely sensitive about these nuances in diplomacy,” said Krauthammer. “They've been at it for four thousand years, and the rules were laid down by Kissinger and Nixon when they made the opening, and it was that we'd be allies of Taiwan, but we would have to observe certain rules… that Taiwan is part of China.”

Krauthammer went on to say that the Chinese can exert power when they feel they’re being wronged.

“The Chinese, when they get upset, can do things. Like take over an island here or there, or tear up an agreement, or start threatening, or do other things that could cause a crisis. I don't think that this is going to cause one, but when he ascends to office, Trump is going to have to be briefed on stuff like this.”