US President Donald Trump reportedly defended Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after Chinese President Xi Jinping criticised her during the Sino-US summit held in Beijing earlier this month.
Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Saturday, citing unidentified government sources, that Xi raised concerns about Takaichi during discussions with Trump in May.
Xi reportedly criticises Takaichi over Taiwan stance
According to the report, Xi said Takaichi and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te posed a threat to regional peace.
Xi also reportedly urged Trump not to support either leader.
Relations between Japan and China have worsened since Takaichi suggested last November that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory, while the democratically governed island maintains its own administration.
The Yomiuri report stated that Trump responded by saying Takaichi was not the kind of leader who deserved criticism.
No official comment from Tokyo or Washington
There was no immediate response from Japan’s prime minister’s office, the foreign ministry or the US embassy in Tokyo outside normal business hours.
Trump reportedly held a phone conversation with Takaichi just hours after concluding his two-day visit to China.
During the call, both leaders reaffirmed what Takaichi described as an “ironclad” alliance between Japan and the United States.
Regional tensions remain in focus
The reported exchange between Trump and Xi highlighted ongoing regional tensions involving Taiwan and broader strategic competition in East Asia.
Japan’s position on Taiwan has increasingly drawn attention amid growing security concerns in the region and strained relations between Tokyo and Beijing.
