Takaichi Clarifies Her Intention to Visit U.S. Early Next Year

Tokyo, Dec. 25 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Thursday that she is seeking to visit the United States early next year to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. “We’re currently arranging (the visit) to meet (with Trump) as soon as possible,” Takaichi said in a speech at an event organized in Tokyo by Jiji Press-affiliated Research Institute of Japan. “I imagine (the visit) will be relatively early next year.” It would be Takaichi’s first visit to the United States since taking office in October. Meanwhile, Takaichi said that she will respond appropriately to China from the viewpoint of protecting Japan’s national interests, honor and people’s lives. With Trump scheduled to visit China in April to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Takaichi plans to visit the United States as early as March. Amid growing tensions between Japan and China over the prime minister’s remarks on a Taiwan contingency, she apparently hopes to work with Trump to align their views on China. “Since taking office, I’ve been consistent in comprehensively promoting a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests (with China) and building constructive and stable (Japan-China) relations,” Takaichi emphasized. “We are open to various dialogues with China,” she added. Regarding the government’s fiscal 2026 budget bill, slated to be adopted at a cabinet meeting on Friday, Takaichi said: “Tax revenues will increase by creating a virtuous economic cycle. By doing so, we will achieve fiscal sustainability.” “As the International Monetary Fund has pointed out, hasty fiscal consolidation could hinder growth and, in turn, undermine fiscal sustainability,” she noted. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]