Japan-US Leaders Hold Talks, Confirm Close Coordination on China

Sep 23, 2026 | News On Japan

NEW YORK - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump held talks at United Nations headquarters in New York in the early hours of September 23 Japan time, demonstrating the strength of the Japan-US alliance and confirming close cooperation on China ahead of an upcoming US-China summit.

The two leaders met for approximately 40 minutes, with senior Japanese government officials emphasizing the significance of the timing, saying the meeting provided an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the bilateral relationship to the international community before Trump meets with China's leader.

Trump praised Takaichi's performance, saying, "She is doing a good job. I am also paying attention to her approval ratings. Japanese industry is doing well, too."

Takaichi highlighted the symbolic importance of the meeting, saying, "I believe that Donald and I holding a summit here at United Nations headquarters today will demonstrate the strength of the Japan-US alliance to the world."

According to senior Japanese government officials, the two leaders clearly reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on issues involving China, particularly economic security and other challenges.

Japanese officials described the meeting as an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the alliance at a crucial moment before the US-China summit.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) was also discussed, with the Japanese side directly conveying its position that the rule of law is important.

Source: TBS

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