China warns internal affairs off limits after report Trump asks Takaichi to ‘temper’ tone
Tokyo denies Wall Street Journal report that Japanese leader was advised not to provoke Beijing on Taiwan issue
During a call on Tuesday, the US leader urged Takaichi not to provoke China, according to a Wall Street Journal report that cited government officials.
While reportedly briefed on Takaichi’s domestic political constraints, Trump asked her to “temper” her tone, but stopped short of echoing Beijing’s demand for a full retraction.
Tokyo rejected the claims and denied that Trump advised Takaichi to avoid provoking Beijing over Taiwan, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said on Thursday afternoon.
China’s foreign ministry on Thursday declined to comment on the call between the two leaders, stating that it was a matter between the US and Japan.
“The Taiwan question is China’s internal affair and brooks no external interference,” ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.