TOKYO - The Japanese government is seeking talks between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump later this month when she visits New York for the U.N. General Assembly, sources said Monday.
Japan is seeking to coordinate with the United States on China amid concerns about a possible rapprochement between the two major powers, as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump are expected to meet in Washington on Sept. 24.
Speaking at a regular press conference in Tokyo on Monday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan is "closely watching" the U.S.-China summit, while noting that a strong Japan-U.S. alliance is "essential" both to "maximize national interests and maintain peace and stability in the international community."
The Japanese side is prioritizing dialogue and is not insisting on a particular format for the talks, according to the sources.
This comes amid concerns in the Japanese government that Trump may seek economic wins ahead of the November midterm elections and make concessions to China on issues such as Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island claimed by Beijing.
Such an outcome could affect Japan's security and economic interests. A Japanese government source said it would be preferable for Takaichi to speak with Trump before his meeting with Xi.
The latest schedule from the United Nations shows Takaichi and Trump both set to deliver their addresses on Sept. 22.
If Takaichi is unable to meet Trump while in the United States, she is likely to seek phone talks with him around the time of the U.S.-China summit. She previously spoke with Trump by phone immediately after he visited China in May.
Ties between Japan and China have deteriorated under Takaichi after she suggested in parliament in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a military response from Japan.
Japan also believes it needs to convey its position on the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, as Trump has expressed interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The talks are being sought as Japan has expressed opposition to U.S. sanctions on Tomoko Akane, a Japanese national who is president of the International Criminal Court, over what Washington views as threats to state sovereignty posed by the court.
Takaichi has said the sanctions are "incompatible" with Japan's position of upholding the rule of law.
