Japan Hold Key Meeting With Trump
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Tuesday that she held a direct and friendly call with President Donald Trump, reinforcing the strong alliance between the United States and Japan during a period of heightened tension with Communist China.
Speaking at her office in Tokyo, Takaichi said President Trump personally reached out to her shortly after speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump, she said, expressed his full support for Japan and reaffirmed the personal friendship the two leaders have built over many years.
“President Trump told me we are very good friends and that I should call him anytime,” Takaichi said, emphasizing the close relationship she has with the American leader.
Takaichi—Japan’s first female prime minister and a firm conservative—has taken a tougher national-security stance than her predecessors. Earlier this month, she warned that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could create a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially requiring a military response to defend the country and maintain regional stability.
Her statement marked a major shift from Japan’s long-standing policy of strategic ambiguity regarding Taiwan, the self-governing island China claims as its own.
Takaichi declined to confirm whether the Taiwan issue came up during her call with Trump, but the former president openly acknowledged that he spoke with both Takaichi and Xi on Tuesday.
“We had a great talk,” Trump said. “She’s smart, she’s strong, and she’s going to be a great leader for Japan.”
Trump highlighted his ability to maintain constructive relationships with both leaders—relationships that he argues help keep the Pacific region stable at a time when China continues expanding its military reach.
“I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised by President Xi’s actions,” Trump added. “He respects strength, and we offer strength.”
Trump also referenced his recent trip to Japan, calling it a powerful reminder of the bond between the two nations and the importance of strong American leadership in the Indo-Pacific.
Why This Story Matters for American Readers
- China’s military aggression is escalating, raising concerns for U.S. security, trade, and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
- President Trump’s diplomatic relationships continue to play a major role in preventing conflict and protecting U.S. interests.
- Japan’s new conservative prime minister is aligning more closely with Trump’s strong national-security approach.
