Tokyo [Japan], November 25 (ANI): Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed Tokyo’s close cooperation with the United States during a call with President Donald Trump, hours after her conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese state media reported on Tuesday.
Takaichi said the call with Trump came at the U.S. President’s request and that he briefed her on his discussion with Xi on Monday. She declined to provide further details, including whether they addressed her recent comments regarding a potential Taiwan contingency, Kyodo reported.
Tensions between Beijing and Tokyo escalated following Takaichi’s earlier remarks suggesting that Japan could deploy its military if conflict were to erupt in the Taiwan Strait. In parliamentary remarks on November 7, she said a military attack on Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. In response, China suspended the planned resumption of Japanese seafood imports and advised its citizens against traveling or studying in Japan.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Trump conveyed to Xi that he understands the importance of the Taiwan issue during their talks. Following the call, Xi stated that China and the United States should maintain positive momentum in their relationship and move forward based on equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, according to Xinhua.
Earlier today, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press briefing that stable U.S.-China relations are “extremely important” for Japan and the international community. He declined to comment on Beijing’s statements about the Trump-Xi conversation.
Shortly after taking office on October 21, Takaichi hosted Trump for in-person talks during his visit to Japan. She later met with Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in South Korea late last month.
Kyodo also reported that Japan’s Vice Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi held talks with Chinese Ambassador Wu Jianghao in Tokyo on Tuesday. (ANI)
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