Trump urged Xi Jinping to improve Japan ties and end export restrictions, SCMP reports

Trump pressed Xi Jinping in September to restore relations with Japan and remove export curbs on Tokyo, according to SCMP. Trump described the restrictions on Japan-bound goods, including rare earths, as a threat to U.S. industries dependent on Japanese suppliers and an indirect breach of the October trade truce. He also requested Xi meet with PM Sanae Takaichi. Xi rejected the appeal, stating the Japan dispute should remain separate from U.S.-China relations and cautioning about rising Japanese militarism.