WASHINGTON – In a telephone conversation on Friday, President Donald Trump extended an invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit the United States later this year, according to a statement from Japan’s foreign ministry. This visit would mark Takaichi’s inaugural trip to the U.S. since assuming office in October.

While the White House has yet to confirm the call or the invitation, this development occurs amidst heightened tensions between Japan and China. The U.S., a steadfast ally of Japan, is looking to reinforce its partnership with Tokyo while simultaneously managing its complex relationship with Beijing, especially with President Trump’s anticipated visit to China in April.

China recently conducted two-day military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan, a move that has raised regional tensions. Prime Minister Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, drew China’s ire last year by suggesting that any Chinese military aggression towards Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response, diverging from the traditional ambiguity of previous Japanese leaders on this delicate issue.

According to a statement released by the Japanese foreign ministry on Friday, both Takaichi and Trump have agreed to work towards arranging the visit for this spring. Kyodo News, a prominent Japanese news outlet, hinted that Takaichi’s visit might coincide with Washington’s annual cherry blossom festival.

During their conversation, the two leaders committed to “forge a new chapter in the history of the Japan-U.S. alliance” as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. They also expressed intentions to “further deepen the friendly relations” between the countries, focusing on enhancing economic and security cooperation.

Takaichi and Trump also agreed on their commitment to promoting cooperation among like-minded partners, including the Japan-U.S.-South Korea partnership, and to a free and open Indo-Pacific, the foreign ministry statement said.

The two exchanged views “mainly on the Indo-Pacific region,” the ministry said, but it did not provide details, including whether the two discussed recent actions by Beijing in the region.

China’s military drills off Taiwan also came after the Trump administration announced a package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $11 billion. If approved by Congress, it would represent the largest such aid to the island ever — a move criticized sharply by China.

Beijing claims sovereignty over the self-governed island and vows to seize it — by force if necessary. The U.S. is obligated by a domestic law to provide Taiwan with sufficient hardware to deter any attack from the mainland.

Trump on Monday said he was not informed of the exercises in advance but still touted his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump met Takaichi in Tokyo in October, shortly after she took office. The two exchanged warm words, and Trump took her with him when he spoke to U.S. troops aboard an aircraft carrier in Japan.

After Takaichi’s Taiwan comments angered Beijing, Trump called her and said they were “extremely good friends” and that she should call him any time, according to the Japanese leader, without disclosing if the two talked about her remarks.