Takaichi, Trump Discuss U.S.-China Ties, Affirm Cooperation

Tokyo, Nov. 25 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held telephone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, with topics including relations between the United States and China. Trump explained recent developments in his country’s relations with China, such as his phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday. “We were able to confirm close cooperation between Japan and the United States,” Takaichi told reporters after the phone talks. The Takaichi-Trump phone talks were arranged at the request of Trump, at a time when Japan is increasingly concerned about the United States and China apparently coming close to each other. The prime minister is believed to have explained Japan’s position on its relations with China, which have been strained since her recent parliamentary remarks about a potential contingency over Taiwan. At a parliamentary meeting earlier this month, Takaichi said China’s possible use of force against Taiwan could constitute a so-called survival-threatening situation for Japan, in which the country can exercise its right to collective self-defense. Trump said to Takaichi that they are very close friends. The president also told Takaichi to call him whenever she wants. Takaichi commended U.S. efforts to realize peace in Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia. At the request of Trump, she told the U.S. leader about the two-day Group of 20 summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, through Sunday. Takaichi attended the meeting, but Trump did not although the United States is a member of the framework of the 20 advanced and emerging economies. After his telephone conversation with Xi, Trump said in a social media post, “Our relationship with China is extremely strong!” According to China’s Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, Xi stressed the significance of Taiwan’s possible return to China. Trump told Xi that the United States “understands how important the Taiwan question is to China,” the ministry said. The U.S. side did not clarify whether or to what extent Trump and Xi discussed issues related to Taiwan, while noting that trade relations were at the center of their conversation. Ahead of the Takaichi-Trump phone talks, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a press conference, “Under our strong relationship of trust with the United States, we will urge China to fulfill its responsibilities commensurate with its position.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]