Japan has denied a report claiming former U.S. President Donald Trump advised Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi not to provoke China over Taiwan. Spokesperson Minoru Kihara told reporters Thursday there is “no such fact” regarding a Wall Street Journal article. He declined to comment further on the alleged diplomatic exchange.
Tensions flared after Takaichi suggested earlier this month that Japan could intervene militarily if Taiwan were attacked. Her remarks angered Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. China’s Foreign Ministry said Xi Jinping raised the issue with Trump, calling Taiwan’s status an “integral part of the post-war international order.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump supposedly called Takaichi to warn against provoking China, citing unnamed officials. Takaichi said her conversation with Trump focused on his call with Xi and bilateral relations, with the former president telling her she could call him anytime.
PHOTO: Trump and Takaichi