US President Donald Trump recently spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over the phone, urging her to avoid escalating tensions with China regarding Taiwan, Kyodo News reported, citing The Wall Street Journal.
The conversation occurred amid rising strains between Tokyo and Beijing, following Takaichi’s remarks in parliament earlier this month. In those comments, she suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could create a scenario that might require Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to respond.
According to Kyodo News, Trump offered measured guidance during the call and did not pressure Takaichi to retract her statements, citing sources familiar with the discussion. A Japanese government official confirmed that both leaders discussed ways to ease diplomatic friction with China.
Trump has frequently praised Takaichi’s strong national security stance and, during a recent visit to Japan, highlighted the strength of the bilateral alliance. However, her recent parliamentary remarks angered Chinese President Xi Jinping at a moment when Trump was working to maintain stable ties with Beijing.
