Takaichi and Trump hold call on Indo-Pacific tensions and alliance issues

Japan’s Foreign Ministry announced that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Tuesday, addressing what Tokyo described as a broad set of challenges shaping the Indo-Pacific region. The conversation included an exchange on the state of U.S.-China ties, coming at a sensitive moment for regional diplomacy and security.

Discussion on alliance cooperation

According to the ministry, Takaichi and Trump reviewed the status of the Japan-U.S. alliance and shared assessments of current geopolitical dynamics. Officials said Trump briefed Takaichi on his recent talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including outcomes from the latest U.S.-China summit.

Context of rising regional tension

The call followed Trump’s discussion with Xi a day earlier, which he characterized as “very good,” noting his acceptance of an invitation to visit Beijing in April. Chinese state media later reported that Xi emphasized the centrality of Taiwan’s return to China as part of the post-war international framework, a point that has intensified debate across the region.

Japan’s position on Taiwan security

Earlier this month, Takaichi told lawmakers that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could meet the criteria of a “survival-threatening situation,” which under Japanese law would allow Tokyo to participate in collective self-defense. Her remarks prompted strong reactions from Beijing, including renewed travel warnings for Japan and restrictions on certain imports.

Wider implications for regional partners

The continued friction between China and Japan adds to already complicated Indo-Pacific dynamics, drawing close attention from partners such as Türkiye, which monitors regional stability closely due to its economic and diplomatic ties across Asia. Both Washington and Tokyo signaled that their coordination will remain steady as broader regional questions continue to unfold.