Japan says Trump has invited its leader to the US. It comes as ties with China are strained

Key Highlights

• It comes as ties between Japan and China have been strained, ramping up tensions in the region.
• The U. S., a close ally of Japan, is seeking to strengthen its ties with Tokyo but also stabilize its relationship with Beijing ahead of a likely trip by Trump to China in April.
• Beijing staged two-day military exercises in the waters off Taiwan this week.
• Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, infuriated China late last year when she said Chinese military action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response, breaking away from former Japanese leaders’ strategic ambiguity on the highly sensitive matter. In a statement Friday, the Japanese foreign ministry said Takaichi and Trump agreed to coordinate for the visit to happen this spring.
• Kyodo News, Japan's news agency, suggested that Takaichi's trip could coincide with the annual cherry blossom festival in Washington. The foreign ministry said the two leaders affirmed that they would “carve out a new chapter in the history of the Japan-U. S.