Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi held a phone call with Donald Trump, discussing China relations amid ongoing diplomatic tensions over Taiwan
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed China relations with former US President Donald Trump during their Tuesday phone call.
This marked their first conversation since Takaichi’s recent parliamentary remarks about Taiwan sparked a major diplomatic dispute with Beijing.
Takaichi had previously suggested a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger Japanese military response, prompting China’s furious reaction including travel boycotts to Japan.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and hasn’t ruled out using force for control.
Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, insisting only Taiwanese people can determine their future.
Chinese President Xi Jinping told Trump during Monday’s call that Taiwan’s “return to China” represents a key component of Beijing’s global vision, according to Xinhua news agency.
Trump highlighted trade talk progress but didn’t mention Taiwan discussions in his Truth Social post following the Xi conversation.
“President Trump gave a brief explanation of the recent state of US-China relations,” Takaichi told reporters after her Trump call.
She declined to provide further details about their discussion.
“President Trump mentioned that he and I are extremely good friends, and that he would be delighted to receive a call from me at any time,” Takaichi added.
The White House didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment about the Trump-Takaichi conversation.
Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai stated Tuesday that “return” to China isn’t an option for the island’s 23 million residents.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasized that “the stability of US-China relations is extremely important for the international community, including Japan.”
Kihara declined to comment on Xi’s reported Taiwan remarks to Trump. – Reuters
