Takaichi briefed by Trump about US-China summit

Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae held telephone talks with US President Donald Trump to be briefed about the US-China summit.

The roughly 20-minute phone call took place from 9 p.m. Japan time on Saturday.

During the conversation, Trump explained the contents of his summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Takaichi and Trump exchanged views, mainly on various issues concerning China, including economic security, and they confirmed coordination between Japan and the US.

Takaichi later told reporters that she received a call right after President Xi's visit to the US, and was given a detailed explanation of their summit.

Takaichi responded to a question by a reporter about a fact sheet issued by the White House summarizing agreements reached during the US-China summit. It states that Trump and Xi recalled that their countries were allies in World War Two and fought side by side to win the war.

Takaichi said she refrains from commenting on the details of the phone talks because they are diplomatic exchanges. She said she told President Trump that Japan and the US are now the closest and most trusted allies and that both countries will contribute to the peace and stability of the region and the world.

She said having engaged in two rounds of top-level talks within a week, including a direct meeting in New York, demonstrates the strength of the Japan-US alliance. She added that she will continue to work closely with President Trump.