Tokyo: Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, underscored the paramount importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance in her first official conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday. Speaking from Malaysia, where she was attending a regional forum, Takaichi described the alliance as the cornerstone of her administration’s foreign and security policy, emphasizing that strengthening bilateral ties would be a top priority for her government.
During the phone call, Takaichi highlighted Japan’s role as an “indispensable partner” in U.S. strategies concerning China and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders expressed a mutual commitment to elevating the alliance to new heights, reflecting continuity and shared strategic objectives between the two nations. Takaichi also noted that the conversation included fond memories of late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, her political mentor, which set a cordial and positive tone for future interactions.
President Trump, speaking from Air Force One en route to Malaysia, began the conversation by congratulating Takaichi on her appointment last Tuesday. Takaichi described Trump as “cheerful and engaging,” signaling a friendly and cooperative atmosphere in their initial engagement. The call was viewed as a critical step in ensuring that Japan-U.S. collaboration remains strong amid regional security challenges and shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
Looking ahead, Trump is scheduled to visit Japan on Monday, culminating in a summit with Prime Minister Takaichi on Tuesday, which is expected to further consolidate their strategic partnership. The upcoming face-to-face meeting is anticipated to cover a range of issues, including defense cooperation, regional security, trade, and collaborative responses to challenges posed by China’s growing influence.
The exchange between Takaichi and Trump demonstrates Japan’s clear commitment to maintaining a robust alliance with the United States, ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific, and reinforcing the diplomatic and security foundations established over decades of cooperation.