'Trump told me that he is an extremely close friend of mine', Japan PM on US relations: Video
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s “close cooperation” with the United States during a press conference on Tuesday, November 25, just hours after holding talks with US President Donald Trump.
Takaichi said the two leaders discussed strengthening the Japan–US alliance and exchanged views on key issues affecting the Indo-Pacific region.“President Trump told me that he is an extremely close friend of mine and that he would like to call me at any time,” she noted.
The remarks came shortly after Trump held an overnight call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, reportedly focused on the conflict in Ukraine, fentanyl trafficking and tensions over Taiwan. Trump later described US–China relations as “extremely strong” in a post on his Truth Social platform.
Takaichi confirmed that her discussions with Trump touched on his call with Xi but declined to provide specifics, citing diplomatic sensitivity.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara also stressed that Tokyo’s approach toward China remains unchanged.“Based on the strong relationship of trust with our ally, the United States, Japan will continue to urge China to fulfil its responsibilities commensurate with its position,” he said.
The reaffirmation of US–Japan ties follows heightened tensions earlier this month after Takaichi said the use of force against Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo — comments she has declined to retract. The government later clarified that her statement did not signal any shift in Japan’s long-standing policy toward Taiwan.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
