The Japanese government has officially denied a Wall Street Journal report claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump advised Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to avoid provoking China regarding Taiwan's sovereignty during their recent phone conversation.
Official Denial and Press Conference Details
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara addressed the media during his regular press conference on Thursday afternoon, directly refuting the claims made in the Journal's report. "The article you mentioned contains a statement that President Trump advised not to provoke the Chinese government over Taiwan sovereignty issues, but there is no such fact," Kihara stated when questioned about the controversial report.
The government spokesman revealed that Tokyo had made an official inquiry to the Wall Street Journal regarding the story. While firmly denying the content of the report, Kihara declined to provide specific details about what Trump and Takaichi actually discussed during their call earlier this week.
Conflicting Reports and Diplomatic Context
The original Wall Street Journal report, citing unnamed Japanese officials and an American briefed on the call, claimed that Trump had offered subtle advice to the newly installed Japanese leader about avoiding provocation of Beijing concerning Taiwan's status. The report emphasized that the American president's counsel was delivered subtly and that he didn't pressure Takaichi to retract her previous comments about Taiwan.
Adding to the diplomatic complexity, Reuters published a separate report on Thursday citing sources with knowledge of the matter who confirmed that Trump had asked Takaichi not to further escalate the dispute with China during their discussions. Kihara wasn't asked about the Reuters report during his briefing.
Background and Political Implications
The controversy emerges against the backdrop of Takaichi's recent remarks on November 7, where she became the first sitting Japanese prime minister to explicitly link Japan's security to a Taiwan contingency. She stated that an attack on Taiwan could be considered a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan - comments she has not retracted despite the current diplomatic tension.
Kihara did confirm several positive aspects of the Trump-Takaichi conversation, noting that Trump described Takaichi as his "very close friend" and assured her she could call him anytime. The government spokesman also mentioned that the two leaders confirmed close cooperation between the U.S. and Japan during their exchange.
Between Kihara's morning and afternoon press briefings, another Japanese government official who asked not to be identified also denied the Wall Street Journal report, though this official similarly declined to elaborate on the actual content of the leaders' discussion.
The diplomatic incident presents a significant challenge for Takaichi, who has been in office for only a few weeks. She must simultaneously maintain public support, manage delicate regional tensions, and strengthen Tokyo's crucial alliance with Washington - all while the U.S. has recently established a trade truce with Beijing.
The U.S. Embassy in Japan has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the matter.
