Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi seeks contact with US President Trump, discrepancies in positions between Japan and US over ICC sanctions and fiscal policy come to light

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will seek contact with US President Trump in preparation for her visit to the US later this month. Differences in positions between Japan and the United States have surfaced over issues such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Japan's fiscal policy, but the two countries hope to harmonize their perceptions of China and emphasize their relationship of trust ahead of the U.S.-China summit meeting scheduled for the 24th.

Prime Minister Takaichi's ``rule of law'' questioned, ICC sanctions, focus on whether US restrictions can be stopped

At a press conference on the 7th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasized that he was "watching the U.S.-China summit with great interest." "We will continue to work closely together at all levels, including the leaders of Japan and the United States and the foreign ministers," he said.

On the 22nd, the prime minister will address the general debate at the United Nations General Assembly for the first time since taking office. Trump is also scheduled to take the stage on the same day. Japan-China relations have cooled down as China strongly objected to the Prime Minister's response to the Taiwan crisis, but Trump hopes to achieve economic results through talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping before November's midterm elections. As prime minister, it is necessary to convey Japan's position to Mr. Trump in advance.

A Japanese government official said that he had requested a meeting, and said, ``If there is an opportunity to have a stand-up conversation, we would be able to have a meaningful discussion.''

However, the United States has designated ICC Director Tomoko Akane as subject to sanctions. They are even considering dismantling the ICC. Japan, which has placed emphasis on the ``rule of law,'' has struggled to respond, and its prime minister has avoided criticizing the United States. Furthermore, the prime minister has called for ``responsible and proactive fiscal policy,'' but the US government is calling for a change in fiscal policy, arguing that rising interest rates in Japan could have a negative impact on the US economy.

For this reason, a Japanese government official pointed out, ``It's better to postpone the talks at this point than to get into trouble.It's more important to listen to the content over the phone after the U.S.-China meeting.'' Some say that international conferences that will continue until the end of the year, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related summit meeting in November, will also provide opportunities for contact.