Chinese leader Xi Jinping pressed the ever-sensitive issue of Taiwan in a phone call with US President Donald Trump, as he stressed the need to build on a fragile trade truce between the two superpowers.

Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai said on Tuesday that a "return" to China is not an option for the island's 23 million people, after Chinese President Xi Jinping pressed his country's sovereignty claims in a call with U.

Earlier this month, Taiwan's foreign ministry said it received official notification that the Trump administration approved a US$330 million arms sales to Taiwan, including fighter jet parts.

Now the biggest flashpoint between the US and China is firmly back on the agenda. In an hourlong phone call with Trump on Monday, Xi seized on a diplomatic row with Japan in a bid to assert China’s sovereignty over Taiwan — and shape US policy in its favor.

Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai firmly rejected Xi Jinping’s renewed sovereignty claims, insisting that a “return” to China is not an option for the island’s 23 million people

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that Taiwan’s return to China was part of the post-war international order, as the two leaders discussed trade progress, regional tensions with Japan and ongoing efforts to stabilise China-US ties following their recent meeting.

China's Foreign Ministry said Trump initiated call with Xi Jinping and communication was crucial for stable relations.

In an hourlong phone call with Trump on Monday, Xi seized on a diplomatic row with Japan in a bid to assert China's sovereignty over Taiwan-and shape US policy in its favour. Framing Beijing's claim as an "integral part of the post-World War II international order,

Chinese state media reported some of what was discussed in the phone call that took place on Monday, local time.