The Trump administration has upended decades of diplomatic practice in U.S. relations with Taiwan. For the new president, "this is meant to be a trap," says a former Obama administration official.

President Trump's administration has deepened ties with Taiwan, as tensions with China intensify. That could be why more Taiwanese favor him to win the U.S. election, according to a poll.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper and his Chinese counterpart lectured one another in a 90-minute call as the highest level U.S. delegation in four decades plans a provocative visit to Taiwan.