Trump breaks US policy stance with direct Taiwan call

US President-elect Donald Trump has spoken directly with the president of Taiwan - breaking with US policy set in 1979 when formal relations were cut.

Mr Trump's transition team said he and Tsai Ing-wen noted "close economic, political, and security ties" between the US and Taiwan in a phone call.

The move risks angering China, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reportedly dismissed the call as a "small move" by Taiwan.

Mr Trump tweeted that Ms Tsai had called him to congratulate him on winning the US election.

His team said that the US president-elect had also congratulated Ms Tsai on becoming the president of Taiwan in January's elections.

It is highly unusual for a US president or president-elect to speak to a Taiwanese leader directly.