What did Prime Minister Koike advocate at the G7?

She promoted Indo-Pacific stability and a joint rare earth reserve system, both included in the final communiqué.

What is Japan's stance on Taiwan?

Japan refers to 'Indo-Pacific situations including China' without direct mention, maintaining coordination under the U.S. alliance.

What is the rare earth joint reserve?

A mechanism for G7 nations to collectively stockpile critical rare earth materials for supply chain resilience.

Japanese PM and Trump Hold Brief Talk, Avoid Confirming Whether Taiwan Was Discussed

Published Jun 18, 2026 12:42 PM ・ Updated Jun 19, 2026 11:19 AM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Japanese Prime Minister Koike Shinae held a press conference in France after the G7 summit, addressing her brief sideline meeting with U.S. President Trump. She did not confirm whether Taiwan was mentioned, stating only that they 'exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific situation, including China.'

(Central News Agency, Archamps, 17th – comprehensive foreign media report) Japanese Prime Minister Koike Shinae concluded her schedule at the Group of Seven (G7) summit and held a press conference in France today. She did not directly respond to whether Taiwan was discussed during her brief conversation with U.S. President Trump on the sidelines of the meeting.

This marks Koike's first G7 summit as Prime Minister. During her attendance in France, she held a brief five-minute conversation with President Trump on the sidelines on the 16th local time. According to Asahi TV, when asked whether the two discussed Taiwan, Koike, speaking at a press conference in the eastern French city of Archamps, said only that they 'exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific situation, including China.'

On relations with China, Koike emphasized, 'Japan remains open to various dialogues and will continue to respond calmly and appropriately from the standpoint of national interest.'

She also noted that she proposed at the G7 summit the establishment of a joint rare earth reserve mechanism among nations, and stressed that the proposal 'has been successfully included in the summit's outcome document.'

Additionally, Koike explained Japan's stance on various issues in the Indo-Pacific region, including those involving China, and stated that G7 leaders have unanimously agreed to cooperate in response.

Regarding the Middle East situation and whether Japan would dispatch its Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz, Koike stated, 'Currently, there are no concrete decisions.'

According to the 'Nikkei' report, U.S. President Trump said at a press conference after the G7 summit that he had asked Prime Minister Koike whether Japan wanted to participate in military operations against Iran, but was declined.

Trump described, 'I asked her, “Do you want to participate a little?” and she replied, “I don’t want to participate.”'

Trump also said that not only Japan but other European G7 countries avoided offering cooperation during active hostilities. Expressing dissatisfaction, Trump said, 'I think everyone should want to participate now. I’m a bit disappointed.'

As for Koike, Trump offered high praise: 'She’s a big fan of mine,' and 'She’s doing a fantastic job.' (Translation: Yang Weijing) 1150618

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan
Dates in source: 1150618

Japanese PM and Trump Hold Brief Talk, Avoid Confirming Whether Taiwan Was Discussed

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