Key insights
- The article discusses a report of Trump defending a Japanese PM to Xi, who criticized her stance on Taiwan. This highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US, China, and Japan. While not directly impacting US equities, heightened tensions could indirectly affect market sentiment and trade relations, posing a slight bearish risk.
Investing.com -- U.S. President Donald Trump defended Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after Chinese President Xi Jinping criticized her during a summit in Beijing earlier this month, Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Sunday, citing government sources.
According to the report, Xi told Trump that Takaichi and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te posed a threat to regional peace and urged the U.S. president not to support either leader.
Trump responded by saying Takaichi was not the type of leader who deserved such criticism, the newspaper said.
Relations between Japan and China have been strained in recent months after Takaichi suggested last November that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Japan.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly opposed comments or actions by foreign leaders that it views as support for the self-governed island.
The reported exchange took place during Trump’s visit to China earlier this month, where he held talks with Xi on a range of bilateral and regional issues.
Hours after concluding his two-day trip, Trump held a phone call with Takaichi. According to the Japanese prime minister, the two leaders reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance during the conversation.
Officials at Japan’s prime minister’s office, the foreign ministry, and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo were not immediately available for comment outside normal business hours.
The report comes as tensions over Taiwan and security issues in East Asia remain a key focus of relations among the United States, China, and Japan.