Japan top govt.spokesperson: Japan, US trusted allies

Japan's top government spokesperson told reporters on Friday that Japan is not in a position to comment on remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a state dinner held by US President Donald Trump because it is an exchange between other countries.

Xi said that during World War Two, "The Chinese and American people stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against Japanese militaristic aggressors."

However, Kihara Minoru touched on Japan's relationship with the US. He said the two countries achieved reconciliation and have since become each other's most trustworthy allies. He added that they are contributing to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

Kihara noted that Japan has consistently contributed to world peace and prosperity as a peace-loving nation since the end of World War Two and remains committed to this course of action and fundamental principles.

Regarding Xi's call for Trump to oppose "Taiwan independence," Kihara said Japan is not in a position to comment on the matter. He added peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are crucial for stability in the international community as a whole. He stressed Japan's long-standing stance is that it hopes the issues concerning Taiwan will be resolved peacefully through dialogue.