WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump privately advised Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to avoid provoking China over Taiwan’s sovereignty, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, following a heated diplomatic clash between Tokyo and Beijing.
The dispute erupted after Takaichi suggested Japan could intervene militarily if China launched an attack on Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing claims as part of its territory. The remarks triggered strong condemnation from China, which warned Tokyo against “interference” and summoned Japan’s ambassador in protest.
Trump Steps In After Xi Raises Concerns
Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly raised the Taiwan issue directly with Trump during a phone call on Monday, arguing that Taiwan’s eventual “return” to China was an essential part of the post–World War II international order, according to Beijing’s foreign ministry.
Shortly afterward, Trump held a separate call with Takaichi and encouraged her not to escalate tensions, the WSJ reported, citing Japanese officials and an American source briefed on the conversation.
Trump’s advice was “subtle,” the report said, noting the U.S. president did not pressure Takaichi to retract her remarks but suggested she avoid further rhetoric that could inflame Beijing.
The Japanese prime minister’s office declined to comment when contacted by AFP.
China Warns Citizens as Diplomatic Friction Deepens
Beijing’s anger has extended beyond official statements. Chinese authorities issued multiple warnings to their citizens in Japan, claiming a spike in harassment and violence targeting Chinese nationals.
The Chinese embassy in Tokyo reiterated the alert on Wednesday, saying several visitors had reported being “insulted, beaten, and injured for no reason.”
Japan’s foreign ministry swiftly rejected the claims, citing National Police Agency data showing the number of murders from January to October had fallen by half compared to the same period in 2024.
Tokyo Expresses Concern Over U.S. Messaging
Prime Minister Takaichi told reporters that her call with Trump included discussions about his recent conversation with Xi and the state of U.S.–Japan relations.
“President Trump said we are very close friends, and he offered that I should feel free to call him anytime,” she said.
However, The Wall Street Journal reports that some Japanese officials found Trump’s caution troubling.
According to the sources, Trump appeared unwilling to jeopardize the fragile U.S.–China détente reached last month, which included commitments from Beijing to purchase more U.S. agricultural products — a key political priority as the administration seeks to ease tensions from the ongoing trade conflict.
The episode underscores the delicate geopolitical balancing act between Washington, Tokyo, and Beijing at a time when Taiwan remains one of the most volatile flashpoints in global politics.
