On September 28, 2026, the Chinese-language website of French international broadcaster RFI (Radio France Internationale) reported that through Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to the U.S., differences in views and a sense of distance between Japan and the U.S. became apparent.

The article reported that although Prime Minister Takaichi, who visited New York, U.S. for the UN General Assembly, held talks with U.S. President Trump, her reception was notably cold compared to Trump's approach of welcoming President Xi Jinping's visit to the U.S. with extraordinary treatment, and that the rift between the two countries became evident.

Furthermore, at the talks, the abductions issue and North Korea issue, as well as the International Criminal Court (ICC), were discussed. It was pointed out that a clear difference in position emerged with Japan, which emphasizes the rule of law and supports the ICC, while the Trump administration has designated Japanese officials of the ICC as targets for sanctions and is intensifying pressure. It was also mentioned that Prime Minister Takaichi herself expressed support for the ICC in her UN General Assembly speech and conveyed this policy in the summit talks.

Furthermore, regarding the Taiwan issue, while relations with China were deteriorating due to Prime Minister Takaichi's "Taiwan emergency" remarks, although the Japanese side needed U.S. backing, no concrete results were announced during this visit to the U.S., and the U.S. side merely expressed its intention to maintain conventional policy.

In addition, at the U.S.-China summit, during a welcome ceremony at the White House, Trump referred to the U.S. and China during World War II as "allies," and Xi also echoed this, stating that both countries fought side-by-side against Japanese militarism. It was analyzed that Trump's stance differed significantly from that of Japan and Taiwan, dealing a strong blow to Prime Minister Takaichi, whose creed is "friendship with Taiwan, resistance to China."

The article also introduced that Japanese media pointed out the contrast, reporting that while Xi was greeted at the airport by the Trumps, Prime Minister Takaichi was seen waving at an airport without any welcoming party. It conveyed the view that Prime Minister Takaichi's visit to the U.S. resulted in highlighting the rift between Japan and the U.S., and that Trump, who shows a conciliatory stance towards China, is becoming less considerate of Japan and Taiwan. (Edited/Translated by Kawajiri)