Trump urged Xi to talk to Takaichi and lift export curbs on Japan, sources say
US President Donald Trump pressed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to roll back China’s export curbs on Japan during their meeting in the US, urging talks between the Chinese and Japanese leaders as Tokyo seeks to manage mounting pressure from Beijing. People familiar with the discussions told the South China Morning Post that Xi also warned Trump about the growing risks of Japanese militarism…
President Donald Trump urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss lifting China's export curbs on Japan during their meeting in the US, according to sources. During the sit-down in Washington, Xi cautioned Trump about the growing risks of Japanese militarism. While not a top priority for Trump, the US leader raised Japan's grievances over Chinese export restrictions, such as on rare earths, which have impacted Japanese industries.
Trump framed these measures as a threat to American industries reliant on Japanese suppliers and called for a meeting between Xi and Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi to repair ties. Beijing rejected Japan's request for talks between Takaichi and Xi, instead offering a meeting with Premier Li Qiang. The sources noted that Japan pushed for the talks but was ultimately rebuffed by Beijing.
Since November, China-Japan relations have been tense due to historical grievances, territorial disputes, and economic interdependence. Tensions escalated after Takaichi suggested a Taiwan contingency might justify a military response from Japan, which Beijing strongly opposes. In retaliation, China cut official and cultural exchanges, banned exports of dual-use products, and imposed restrictions on Japan's defense industry.
Meanwhile, Japan has strengthened its security ties with the Philippines and deployed offensive missiles near Taiwan. Despite the ongoing diplomatic chill, Takaichi called China an "important neighbour" and pledged to build a stable relationship, emphasizing communication on shared challenges and national interests.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
