US President Donald Trump told Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi she could “call him anytime” during their first phone conversation on Tuesday, offering a direct show of support as Tokyo faces rising pressure from China over comments she made about Taiwan.
The exchange followed days of diplomatic friction triggered by Takaichi’s recent remark in parliament suggesting that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw Japan into a military response. Beijing denounced the comment and announced a travel boycott on Japan, deepening tensions between the two countries.
Japan sits just over 100 kilometers (about 60 miles) from Taiwan, a self-governing island China claims as its own. China has repeatedly said it will not rule out using force to gain control, while Taiwan’s government maintains that only its citizens can determine their future.
Tokyo officials had been watching Washington closely, since Trump had not publicly addressed the growing dispute. According to a Japanese government source cited by Reuters, there was quiet relief that the US president reached out to Takaichi so soon after his own call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday.
Takaichi said Trump emphasized their close personal relationship and his willingness to be accessible. “President Trump mentioned that he and I are extremely good friends, and that I should call him anytime,” she told reporters. She added that Trump briefed her on the current state of US-China relations, including his conversation with Xi.
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Xi told Trump that Taiwan’s “return to China” remains central to Beijing’s long-term vision for global order, according to China’s Xinhua news agency. After the call, Trump posted on Truth Social that trade discussions with China were moving forward and that relations were “extremely strong,” though he did not mention Taiwan.
The White House did not immediately comment on the call with Takaichi.
Beijing’s anger over Takaichi’s earlier comments reinforced long-standing Chinese warnings about foreign involvement in Taiwan’s security. China’s foreign ministry has argued that suggestions of Japanese military action threaten regional peace.
Taiwan pushed back on Tuesday. Premier Cho Jung-tai said the island’s 23 million people do not consider “returning” to China a viable option, adding that Taiwan’s democratic system reflects the will of its citizens.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said on Tuesday that balanced relations between the United States and China remain essential for regional stability. “Stable US-China relations are extremely important for the international community, including Japan,” he said.
The call between Trump and Takaichi offered Tokyo a timely signal that Washington remains engaged, even as the two largest economies manage their own strained relationship.