Japanese Prime Minister Talks About US, China, South Korea Leaders: Trump Humorous, Xi Jinping Serious

On the 7th, Japanese female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made a rare move in the House of Representatives Budget Committee by sharing her personal impressions of US President Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, sparking heated discussion. She described the personalities of these leaders—each closely tied to Japan—with a lighthearted tone, emphasizing that diplomacy requires "understanding the other party’s essence". However, opposition parties questioned if she was being "overly pro-American".

According to a Sankei Shimbun report on the 8th, Takaichi said that Trump “has a great sense of humor”. Recalling her meeting with Trump aboard an aircraft carrier in Yokosuka last month, she said his impromptu jokes enlivened the atmosphere, “He can always lighten tension with wit—this is his strength.”

Regarding Xi Jinping, Takaichi described him as “very serious”, noting that during the Japan-China summit, Xi’s remarks were “methodical and attentive to detail”, demonstrating a “pragmatic leadership style”.

Lee Jae-myung “pragmatic and friendly”

As for Lee Jae-myung, Takaichi called him “pragmatic and friendly”, especially praising Lee's “straightforward attitude” during Japan-Korea security dialogues, which helped ease historical disputes.

These comments stemmed from a question by Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council Chair Ken Saito, intended to explore Takaichi's foreign policy positions. In her reply, Takaichi stressed, “Diplomacy is like negotiation; only by knowing oneself and the other can one be invincible,” and reaffirmed that the Ishin Party-led coalition government would strengthen the Japan-US alliance while maintaining balance with China and South Korea. During the session, she also mentioned the recent visit of the USS George Washington to Japan, calling it a “symbol of the alliance,” but avoided discussing the details of the North Korean missile threat.

Opposition Constitutional Democratic Party secretary-general Yoshihiko Noda criticized, “The Prime Minister should focus more on substantive policy rather than personal impressions,” worrying that Takaichi's pro-Trump stance could affect Japan-China relations. Democratic Party for the People lawmaker Yuichiro Tamaki questioned, “Can humorous diplomacy really cope with the pressure of Xi Jinping’s seriousness?” Takaichi retorted, “Impressions are a starting point; action is what matters,” and promised to include an increase in security spending in next year’s budget.

(News Source: United Daily News)