Japan’s Takaichi to seek early 2026 meeting with Trump amid China tensions

Japan-China tensions

Tokyo aims to showcase strong bilateral ties before US leader visits Beijing in April

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a speech in October on the USS George Washington aircraft carrier. (Photo by Mayumi Tsumita)

MIKI NOSE

January 2, 2026 06:52 JST

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her government in 2026 will face the challenge of maintaining strong U.S. ties while also seeking to mend frayed relations with China.