Takaichi Meets Trump Two Days Before U.S.-China Summit, Conveys Japan's Concerns About China

U.S.-Japan

[Financial News | TOKYO—Correspondent Seo Hye-jin] Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi directly conveyed Japan's concerns about China to U.S. President Donald Trump two days before the U.S.-China summit. The two leaders confirmed their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and critical minerals.
According to NHK and Yomiuri Shimbun, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Donald Trump held talks for approximately 35 minutes on the 22nd local time at United Nations Headquarters (UN Headquarters) in New York.
According to the Japanese government, the two leaders discussed issues related to China, including economic security, with President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for the 24th in mind. They agreed to continue working closely together, but did not disclose whether Taiwan was discussed.
Japan worked to secure an opportunity to convey its concerns before President Trump met with Xi Jinping. Tokyo is wary that the United States could make concessions to China on Taiwan or the East and South China Sea issues while negotiating trade and economic matters with Beijing. However, it is not known how specifically President Trump responded to Japan's concerns.
Ozaki Masanao, Japan's deputy chief cabinet secretary, who attended the meeting, said, "It is extremely important that we reconfirmed the unwavering U.S.-Japan alliance just two days before the U.S.-China summit," adding, "We were able to show the world the strength of the alliance at the best possible time." He said the United States had arranged only a small number of bilateral meetings on the occasion of this year's UN General Assembly and assessed that the talks demonstrated the trust between the two leaders.
In his opening remarks, President Donald Trump said, "I always keep an eye on your approval ratings," and told Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that she would "make her mark on history."
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responded, "The security environment, including in Asia, is extremely severe," adding, "Today's meeting will show the world the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance."
In the economic sphere, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in AI, semiconductors and critical minerals and to faithfully implement the U.S.-Japan tariff agreement.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized that Japan has been the United States' largest source of investment for seven consecutive years. The leaders also exchanged views on international financial conditions and exchange rates, but specific details were not disclosed. According to the Japanese side, President Donald Trump did not demand a specific numerical target for increased defense spending.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also directly raised the issue of sanctions imposed on Japanese national Tomoko Akane, president of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Ozaki Masanao said Japan raised the issue first and that the two leaders "exchanged candid views." He did not say whether Japan requested that the sanctions be lifted.
The two leaders also agreed to coordinate their response to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. According to the Japanese side, President Donald Trump supported the immediate resolution of the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.
Japan was represented at the meeting by Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and others, while the U.S. side was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. It was the first formal meeting between the two leaders since their talks in Washington last March.  

[email protected] Seo Hye-jin Reporter