http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/trump-backs-one-china-policy

© REUTERS/Denis Balibouse Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the media during an official visit in Bern  Trump backs "One China" policy in call with China's Xi

BEIJING/WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to honor the longstanding "One China" policy during a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, taking steps to improve ties after angering Beijing by talking to the leader of Taiwan.

Trump further unnerved Beijing over the self-ruled island in December saying the United States did not necessarily have to stick to the policy, under which Washington acknowledges China's position that Taiwan is part of "One China."

The two leaders had not spoken by telephone since Trump took office on Jan. 20.

A White House statement said Trump and Xi had a lengthy phone conversation on Thursday night Washington time. It came hours before Trump is to play host to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House and later, at his Palm Beach, Florida, retreat.

"President Trump agreed, at the request of President Xi, to honor our 'One China' policy," the statement said....