China protests after Trump's Taiwan call

China has lodged a diplomatic protest after US President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan but blames the self-ruled island Beijing claims as its own for the "petty" move. The 10-minute telephone call with Taiwan's leadership was the first by a US president-elect or president since Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, acknowledging Taiwan as part of "one China". China's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday it had lodged "stern representations" with what it called the "relevant US side", urging careful handling of the issue to avoid unnecessary disturbances in ties.

US President-elect Donald Trump has spoken directly with the president of Taiwan. (AAP) Source: AAP