In a recent phone call, President Donald Trump extended an invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit the United States this year, according to the Japanese foreign ministry. This planned visit would mark Takaichi's first trip to the U.S. since she took office in October 2025. The White House has yet to confirm the invitation but reports indicate that the dialogue aims to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations amidst rising tensions between Japan and China.
The call comes at a critical time, considering the ongoing diplomatic strains with China, particularly regarding military activities near Taiwan. The United States, maintaining its status as a close ally of Japan, is looking to bolster its ties with Tokyo while simultaneously seeking to stabilize relations with Beijing ahead of a possible Trump visit to China in April.
This week, China conducted military exercises in the waters nearby Taiwan, escalating regional tensions. Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, had previously angered China by stating that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response. This assertive stance marks a departure from the historical Japanese policy of strategic ambiguity on such sensitive issues.
During the phone call, Takaichi and Trump expressed a mutual commitment to coordinate her visit, which may coincide with the annual cherry blossom festival in Washington, D.C. The Japanese foreign ministry released a statement indicating that the two leaders aim to "carve out a new chapter in the history of the Japan-U.S. alliance" in a landmark year when the U.S. will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding. They also emphasized the importance of enhancing friendly relations, particularly in the realms of economic and security cooperation.
The two leaders discussed promoting collaboration among like-minded nations, including their partnership with South Korea, and reaffirmed their support for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. However, specific details regarding discussions about recent Chinese actions in the region were not disclosed.
China's military drills off Taiwan followed the Trump administration's announcement of a substantial arms sales package to Taiwan, valued at over $11 billion. This proposed military aid has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, which asserts its claim over Taiwan and threatens to reclaim it by force if necessary. Under U.S. law, the United States is obligated to provide Taiwan with the necessary defensive resources to deter aggression from China.
Trump remarked earlier this week that he had not been informed of the military exercises prior to their execution but continued to emphasize his positive relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During her previous meeting with Trump in Tokyo shortly after assuming office, the two leaders exchanged cordial remarks, and Trump invited her to join him during a visit to U.S. troops stationed aboard an aircraft carrier.
Following Takaichi's controversial comments regarding Taiwan, Trump reached out to her, labeling her as "extremely good friends" and encouraging her to contact him whenever necessary, although it remains unclear if they discussed her statements about Taiwan during their conversation.
