Overview
- Japan’s foreign ministry said Trump and Takaichi spoke by phone for about 25 minutes on Jan. 2 and agreed to arrange a spring visit.
- The White House had not issued its own readout or confirmation of the call and invitation in initial reports.
- The leaders focused on the Indo-Pacific and affirmed work with like-minded partners, including Japan‑U.S.-South Korea cooperation and a free and open region.
- The outreach follows rising tensions with Beijing after Takaichi’s Taiwan comments and as China conducted military exercises near Taiwan this week.
- The call comes as Washington weighs closer ties with Tokyo alongside engagement with Beijing, including a proposed $11 billion Taiwan arms package and Trump’s planned China trip in April.