Criticizing Trump, WH says Taiwan 'not a bargaining chip'

President Barack Obama's White House today took aim at Donald Trump's recent comments on Taiwan, saying the long-standing alliance should not be used as a "bargaining chip" with Beijing.

After the president-elect suggested the United States could jettison its "One China policy" -- a diplomatic maneuver allowing Washington to do business with Beijing and its rivals in Taipei -- if China does not "make a deal," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the island should not be used as "leverage.