WASHINGTON – In a recent phone conversation, President Donald Trump extended an invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit the United States within the year, according to the Japanese foreign ministry. This visit would mark Takaichi’s inaugural trip to the U.S. since assuming the role in October.

The White House has yet to confirm the exchange or the proposed visit. This development arises amidst escalating tensions between Japan and China, with the U.S. aiming to reinforce its alliance with Tokyo while maintaining a stable rapport with Beijing. This diplomatic balancing act comes as Trump prepares for a potential visit to China in April.

This week, China conducted two days of military drills near Taiwan, adding to regional tensions. Last year, Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, stirred controversy in China by suggesting that any Chinese military aggression towards Taiwan might prompt a Japanese military response, signaling a shift from Japan’s traditionally ambiguous stance on the issue.

On Friday, the Japanese foreign ministry announced that Takaichi and Trump had agreed to plan her visit for the spring. Reports from Kyodo News, a prominent Japanese media outlet, speculated that Takaichi’s visit might align with Washington’s annual cherry blossom festival.

The ministry further stated that both leaders expressed their intent to “forge a new chapter in the history of the Japan-U.S. alliance” in a year marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. They emphasized their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in economic and security matters.

Additionally, Takaichi and Trump reaffirmed their dedication to fostering collaboration with like-minded nations, highlighting the Japan-U.S.-South Korea partnership and advocating for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, as noted in the foreign ministry’s statement.

The two exchanged views “mainly on the Indo-Pacific region,” the ministry said, but it did not provide details, including whether the two discussed recent actions by Beijing in the region.

China’s military drills off Taiwan also came after the Trump administration announced a package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $11 billion. If approved by Congress, it would represent the largest such aid to the island ever — a move criticized sharply by China.

Beijing claims sovereignty over the self-governed island and vows to seize it — by force if necessary. The U.S. is obligated by a domestic law to provide Taiwan with sufficient hardware to deter any attack from the mainland.

Trump on Monday said he was not informed of the exercises in advance but still touted his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump met Takaichi in Tokyo in October, shortly after she took office. The two exchanged warm words, and Trump took her with him when he spoke to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier in Japan.

After Takaichi’s Taiwan comments angered Beijing, Trump called her and said they were “extremely good friends” and that she should call him any time, according to the Japanese leader, without disclosing if the two talked about her remarks.