TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae held a call with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday amid a diplomatic row with China.

The two leaders discussed strengthening the bilateral partnership and exchanged views on Indo-Pacific challenges, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. Trump also updated Takaichi on US–China relations, including his recent summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea.

Both sides reaffirmed close cooperation. Trump told Takaichi that “as a close friend,” she could call him at any time.

Earlier this month, Takaichi said Chinese military actions against Taiwan, including a naval blockade, would be a “situation threatening Japan’s survival,” prompting Japan to take action. She added that Japan’s response would be “after comprehensively assessing all information in line with the individual and specific circumstances of what has actually occurred.”

On Monday, Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro said plans to deploy Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni Island, 110 kilometers from Taiwan, are proceeding on schedule. The upgraded missiles are capable of intercepting ballistic threats.

“To properly protect the public, including the people of Yonaguni, it is important to strengthen our defense capabilities,” Koizumi said, adding that the deployment “can lower the possibility of a military attack on our country.”