Takaichi Eyes Meeting with Trump ahead of U.S.-China Summit

Tokyo, Sept. 7 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is exploring opportunities to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump during her visit to the United States later this month, hoping to exchange views on China and demonstrate their close relationship ahead of a U.S.-China summit. The move comes as differences between Tokyo and Washington have emerged over the International Criminal Court and Japan’s fiscal policy. Japan will be “watching with great interest” the U.S.-China summit scheduled for Sept. 24, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a news conference Monday. “We will continue to closely coordinate at all levels, including between the Japanese and U.S. leaders and foreign ministers.” Takaichi is slated to address the U.N. General Assembly for the first time in a general debate on Sept. 22. Trump is scheduled to speak earlier the same day. Japan-China ties have soured after Beijing strongly objected to a parliamentary remark by Takaichi on a possible Taiwan contingency, while Trump is hoping to secure economic gains in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November. The prime minister sees the need to convey Japan’s position on China to Trump before the summit. A Japanese government source said Tokyo has requested a meeting with Trump, adding, “Even if we only have an opportunity for a brief chat, we can still have a substantive discussion.” Meanwhile, Japan has struggled to respond to the U.S. decision to impose sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national. Takaichi has avoided directly criticizing the United States despite Tokyo’s emphasis on the rule of law, while Washington is even considering efforts to dismantle the ICC. The United States has called on the Takaichi administration to reconsider the prime minister’s signature proactive yet responsible fiscal policy, amid concerns that rising interest rates in Japan could have an adverse effect on the U.S. economy. Amid such differences, one Japanese government source suggested that “rather than holding a meeting that could result in disagreements, it would be better to forgo it for now.” “It will be more important to hear (from Trump) by phone about it after the U.S.-China summit,” the source added. Some officials also believe that international conferences scheduled through the end of the year, including a summit meeting linked to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in November, could provide opportunities for talks between Takaichi and Trump. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]