U.S. President Donald Trump defended Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after Chinese President Xi Jinping criticized her during a recent bilateral summit, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun.
The report, citing unidentified government sources, said Xi told Trump that Takaichi and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te threaten regional peace. Xi urged Trump not to back them.
Trump replied that Takaichi does not merit such criticism. The two leaders held the summit in Beijing this month.
Hours after the visit ended, Trump spoke by phone with Takaichi. They reaffirmed the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance, she said later.
Japan's relations with China have worsened since Takaichi stated last November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.
