The Japanese government is seeking talks between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump later this month when she visits New York for the U.N. General Assembly, sources said Monday.
Japan is seeking to coordinate with the United States on China amid concerns about a possible rapprochement between the two major powers, as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump are expected to meet in Washington on Sept 24.
Speaking at a regular press conference in Tokyo on Monday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan is “closely watching” the U.S.-China summit, while noting that a strong Japan-U.S. alliance is “essential” both to “maximize national interests and maintain peace and stability in the international community.”
The Japanese side is prioritizing dialogue and is not insisting on a particular format for the talks, according to the sources.
This comes amid concerns in the Japanese government that Trump may seek economic wins ahead of the November midterm elections and make concessions to China on issues such as Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island claimed by Beijing.
Such an outcome could affect Japan’s security and economic interests. A Japanese government source said it would be preferable for Takaichi to speak with Trump before his meeting with Xi.
The latest schedule from the United Nations shows Takaichi and Trump both set to deliver their addresses on Sept 22.
