Trump calls Japan PM after Xi call
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday in Tokyo that President Donald Trump phoned her immediately after speaking with China’s Xi Jinping, and the White House confirmed the call. Takaichi said Trump briefed her on the Xi conversation and that they affirmed close U.S.–Japan coordination on Indo‑Pacific issues amid tensions over her recent Taiwan remarks that angered Beijing.
📌 Key Facts
- Date: Nov. 25, 2025; Location: Tokyo
- White House confirmed the Trump–Takaichi call but gave no details
- Takaichi: discussed alliance strengthening and Indo‑Pacific ‘development and challenges’; confirmed ‘close coordination’
📊 Relevant Data
Taiwan produces 67% of the global market share in contracted semiconductor manufacturing and nearly 80% in cutting-edge products, on which Japan heavily relies for its technology sector.
Taiwan Semiconductor Ramps Up Production in Japan, US, and Germany — Yahoo Finance
According to a Kyodo poll, 48.8% of Japanese respondents are in favor of a military response to China over Taiwan, while 44.2% are against.
Japanese divided on military response to China over Taiwan, Kyodo poll shows — Reuters
Japan's exports to China totaled US$124.63 Billion in 2024, making China Japan's largest trading partner and highlighting the economic stakes in bilateral tensions.
Japan Exports to China - 2025 Data 2026 Forecast 1988-2024 Historical — Trading Economics
Yonaguni Island, Japan's westernmost inhabited island, is only 111 km away from Taiwan, underscoring Taiwan's geographical proximity and strategic importance to Japan's security.
Yonaguni Island | Official Okinawa Travel Guide — Visit Okinawa Japan
Bilateral trade between Japan and Taiwan totaled US$72.3 billion in 2024, significantly less than Japan-China trade, affecting the economic considerations in Japan's Taiwan policy.
International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs — Taiwan Trade
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
"The WSJ commentary argues that after Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks, China has escalated beyond military moves to revive subtle, informal economic coercion—harder to detect and manage—urging governments and companies to recognize and prepare for these coercive tactics."