President Donald Trump came to the defense of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping at their summit earlier this month, according to a report from Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper published Sunday. The report cites unnamed government sources.
Relations between Japan and China have grown tense since Takaichi made comments last November suggesting that if China were to hypothetically attack Taiwan – the democratically ruled island that China considers its territory – Japan might respond militarily.
During the summit meeting in Beijing, Xi told Trump that both Takaichi and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te represent dangers to peace in the region and asked Trump not to back them, according to the Yomiuri’s reporting.
Trump reportedly replied that he believes Takaichi is not the type of leader who should face such criticism.
Representatives from the Japanese prime minister’s office, Japan’s foreign ministry, and the U.S. embassy in Tokyo were not available to provide comment outside of normal business hours.
Following his two-day China visit, Trump spoke by telephone with Takaichi. During that conversation, both leaders confirmed their “ironclad” partnership between their nations, according to Takaichi’s previous statements.
