Takaichi, Trump to discuss Xi call as tensions rise over Taiwan, FNN reports

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to hold a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, according to FNN. The discussion is expected to focus on Trump’s recent conversation with China’s leader Xi Jinping.The call comes at a sensitive moment in regional diplomacy. Earlier this month, Takaichi warned that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response — a comment that drew attention in both Washington and Beijing. Trump is expected to brief her on the substance of his exchange with Xi, following rising tensions and heightened U.S.–China–Japan strategic coordination.—On Trump’s call with Xi. This from the Wall Street Journal, in summary:Xi’s decision to call Trump, something he pointedly avoided throughout the trade war, reflects the shifting strategic landscape created by Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. With Tokyo preparing for a more confrontational posture toward Beijing, Xi appears to be falling back on a classic rule of Chinese political psychology: when faced with a difficult counterpart, find out who really influences their decisions. In this case, Beijing sees the United States as the ultimate power behind Japan’s security posture, making Washington the true target of persuasion.The call was therefore less about U.S.–China relations and more about shaping the boundaries of a looming Japan–China standoff. Xi is signaling that he wants clarity on how far Washington will back Takaichi’s tougher line, and Trump’s response will send a message to other world leaders watching whether the U.S. still provides firm cover for those willing to push back against Beijing.
This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com.

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