On December 24, Japan's Kyodo News reported, citing government sources. The Japanese government has asked the U.S. side about its intention regarding the schedule for Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato's first visit to the U.S. in late March 2026, and his meeting with U.S. President Trump.
The report pointed out that Japan hopes to reaffirm the solidarity of the U.S.-Japan alliance before Trump's visit to China in April, and coordinate policies toward China with the U.S.
The report said that Trump values trade negotiations with China and emphasizes that Sino-U.S. relations are "extremely solid." Japan is concerned about Trump's attitude toward China and hopes to clarify its own position before the summit between the two presidents, and to seek cooperation with the U.S. in the field of economic security.
Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato plans to visit the U.S. in March 2026 to hold bilateral talks with U.S. President Trump. This visit aims to consolidate the U.S.-Japan alliance and coordinate policies toward China before Trump's planned visit to China, to avoid being marginalized in the Sino-U.S. interaction. Both sides are expected to have in-depth discussions on issues such as strengthening defense cooperation, expanding investments in the U.S., securing the supply chain of critical minerals, and Japan's revised "National Security Strategy". Although there were proposals to hold the meeting at the Davos Forum, the Japanese side prefers an official visit to ensure in-depth exchange of topics.
Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato is striving to achieve his first official visit to the U.S. in late March next year, trying to coordinate policies toward China with Trump before the high-level interactions between China and the U.S. in April, to avoid being marginalized in the regional game.
The Japanese side is strongly pushing to arrange the meeting before Trump's planned visit to China in April, aiming to "take the lead in time" and seize strategic initiative. Japan is worried that if China and the U.S. interact first, Japan's position in the alliance and space for coordination on policies toward China will be weakened. Japan attempts to unify positions on sensitive issues such as the Taiwan Strait and military activities before Trump engages with China, to reduce the risk of Sino-Japanese conflict.
There is still some time until March next year, and during this period, there should be some more maneuvering.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852404262547456/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.