Chinese leader Xi Jinping sharply criticized Japan’s rearmament policy and the actions of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a summit with US President Donald Trump in Beijing. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the course of the negotiations, according to UNN.
Details
According to the publication, Xi became “loud and agitated” when discussing the increase in Japanese military spending. American officials were caught off guard by this reaction, as the topic of Japan was not a key focus in the preparations for the US-China talks.
Trump, according to FT information, responded that Takaichi is taking a tougher stance due to the threat from North Korea. Recently, Japan has eased restrictions on the sale of military equipment and signaled a review of certain nuclear policy principles, which has drawn criticism from Beijing.
China and Japan continue to escalate rhetoric
Relations between the countries remain tense following Takaichi’s statements that a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan could serve as grounds for the deployment of Japanese forces. In response, China imposed trade restrictions and banned travel to Japan. Beijing continues to consider Taiwan part of its territory and does not rule out a use-of-force scenario.
