The White House stated that U.S. President Donald Trump can sustain a good working relationship with China while maintaining a very strong alliance with Japan amid soaring tensions between the two Asian nations. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted Japan as a great ally, citing robust trade ties and Trump's positive personal rapport with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a Thursday news conference in Washington.
Amid rising geopolitical tensions in Asia, the White House emphasized the U.S. ability to navigate its alliances carefully. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that President Donald Trump maintains a good working relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which he views as beneficial for the country, while upholding a very strong alliance with Japan.
The U.S. and Japanese defense chiefs held a phone conversation, voicing "grave concern" over Beijing's recent military activities. Leavitt described Japan as "a great ally of the United States," underscoring the robust trade connections and Trump's solid personal relationship with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
"With respect to China, the president also has a good working relationship with President Xi (Jinping), which he believes is a good thing for our country, and he believes that the United States should be in a position to have a good working relationship with China while maintaining our very strong alliance with Japan," Leavitt remarked.
This stance reflects continuity in U.S. Asia-Pacific policy, particularly with Taiwan-related instabilities in mind, though its implementation remains under scrutiny as Sino-Japanese frictions intensify.
