US president-elect Donald Trump has been urged to take his predecessor's warnings on the one-China principle seriously, to prevent further conflict between the two countries next year.

In his last news conference of the year on Friday, President Barack Obama cautioned Trump against challenging Beijing on the Taiwan question, saying that it could lead to serious consequences for bilateral relations.

The status quo has kept the peace and allowed the Taiwan people to enjoy successful economic development and a high degree of self-determination, he said.