Japan PM Takaichi to hold face-to-face meetings with Trump next week

Arrangements are underway for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump around next Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Takaichi is slated to embark on a four-day trip to America from Monday to speak at the annual diplomatic event and meet with other world leaders.

Media reports say that Tokyo is seeking to align its position with Washington on China prior to Trump's September 24 meeting with President Xi Jinping.

The prime minister, whose Taiwan remarks prompted a diplomatic spat with Beijing earlier, has reiterated support for building stable and constructive Sino-Japan ties and highlighted the importance of free and safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz.

She retained key ministers in the latest cabinet reshuffles in a bid to ensure continuity of policies and good relationship with the US as her country will likely face US demand to further increase defense spending.