President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed during a phone call late Friday to arrange an official visit for the Japanese leader to the United States this spring. The 25-minute discussion focused on bolstering economic and security ties between the two nations.+1
The invitation comes amid heightened friction between Tokyo and Beijing following Takaichi’s suggestion in November that Japan could militarily intervene if Taiwan were attacked. China responded with diplomatic backlash and economic sanctions, including a ban on Japanese seafood imports.
According to Tokyo’s foreign ministry, both leaders exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific region and confirmed their commitment to close cooperation under current global challenges.
The meeting is expected to take place before Trump’s scheduled trip to China in April.
Recent military exercises by China around Taiwan, involving live-fire drills and naval blockades, have drawn international criticism from allies including Japan and Australia.
While reports suggested Trump previously advised Takaichi against provoking China, Tokyo has maintained that the alliance remains rock-solid.
Takaichi described the conversation as “highly meaningful,” expressing her desire to work with Trump to open a “new chapter” in the history of the Japan-U.S. alliance during her upcoming visit.
