TOKYO: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke by telephone on Friday (May 15) with US President Donald Trump shortly after Trump’s visit to China, with the two leaders reaffirming close coordination between Japan and the United States.
Japanese officials remain wary that Washington, while prioritising stable ties with Beijing, could allow China to gain the upper hand on issues that concern both Tokyo and Washington, including Taiwan and economic coercion.
Ahead of what are expected to be three additional US-China summit meetings later this year, Japan plans to continue making the United States understand Japan’s strategic assessment of China to keep the two allies in step.
Trump did not make a stop in Japan during his Asia trip, prompting Tokyo to request a phone conversation following his visit to China.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Takaichi underscored what she described as Trump’s consideration for Japan, noting that “he called me from Air Force One.”
She also said Trump had provided a detailed account of the US-China summit talks “on the condition that I not disclose the contents publicly.”
According to Japanese government officials, Tokyo conveyed concerns to Washington ahead of the call regarding China’s tighter restrictions on rare earth exports to Japan.
Japanese officials warned that the measures could also reduce shipments of rare earth materials flowing from China to the United States via Japan.
Tokyo urged Washington to press Beijing for improvements.
Still, it remains unclear how forcefully Trump raised the issue during talks that largely showcased amicable US-China relations.
With the US side eager to produce economic gains ahead of November’s midterm elections, concerns persist within the Japanese government that Washington could ultimately be “drawn into China’s pace,” according to officials familiar with the discussions. - The Yomiuri Shimbun
