Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seeking to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump during her upcoming visit to the United States later this month, aiming to discuss China and underscore the strength of Japan-U.S. relations ahead of a planned U.S.-China summit. The summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is set for September 24.

Takaichi is scheduled to deliver her first address to the United Nations General Assembly during the general debate on September 22, where Trump is also slated to speak earlier that day. The timing of her visit and statements suggest an effort to align Japan’s position on China with the U.S. ahead of key diplomatic discussions.

The move comes amid emerging tensions between Tokyo and Washington, particularly over issues such as the International Criminal Court and Japan’s fiscal policy. Despite these differences, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasized Japan’s commitment to close coordination, stating at a news conference on Monday that the government will observe the U.S.-China summit “with great interest” and continue collaboration at various levels, including between leaders and foreign ministers.

Japan-China relations have recently faced strains after Beijing strongly opposed comments made by Takaichi in the Japanese parliament concerning a potential contingency involving Taiwan. Meanwhile, Trump is seeking favorable economic terms in talks with Xi in the run-up to the U.S. midterm elections in November.

By engaging directly with President Trump, Takaichi intends to ensure that Japan's perspectives on China are clearly communicated ahead of the high-stakes negotiations, reflecting Japan’s strategic concerns in the region and its alliance with the United States.