China–Japan Tensions Persist as Japanese PM Holds First Call With U.S. President

Reuters

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump held their first phone call on Tuesday amid heightened tensions between Tokyo and Beijing following Takaichi’s recent comments on Taiwan.

Earlier this month, Takaichi suggested in parliament that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt Japanese military action. The remarks drew a strong response from Beijing, including a boycott on travel to Japan. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control, while Taiwan maintains that its future can only be determined by its people.

In brief comments to reporters after the call, Takaichi said Trump assured her of their close relationship and told her to call him “anytime.” She added that Trump outlined the current state of U.S.-China relations, including his phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday.

According to China’s Xinhua news agency, Xi told Trump that Taiwan’s “return to China” is central to Beijing’s vision for the world order. In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted progress in U.S.–China trade talks and described bilateral relations as “extremely strong,” but did not mention Taiwan. The White House has not yet commented on the call with Takaichi.

Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai responded on Tuesday, stating that for the island’s population of 23 million, a “return” to China is not an option.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said stable U.S.–China relations are essential for the international community, including Japan, but declined to comment directly on Xi’s reported remarks. The waters around Taiwan form key trade and energy routes critical to Japan’s economy.

Japan has been expanding its defence capabilities in recent years with support from the United States, citing concerns over China’s increasing military activities. On Monday, China criticised Tokyo’s plan to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit to Yonaguni, Japan’s closest island to Taiwan, calling it a move that risks escalating tensions. Japan also scrambled a fighter jet after detecting a Chinese drone flying between Yonaguni and Taiwan.

Despite declining to retract her initial comments, Takaichi has said Tokyo is prepared to engage with Beijing at all levels to ease tensions. Japan’s vice foreign minister met with China’s ambassador in Tokyo on Tuesday to discuss outstanding issues and future diplomatic steps.

Beijing has nonetheless ruled out a meeting between Takaichi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the recent G20 summit in South Africa.

Sources: Reuters, Xinhua



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