Japanese Premier Takaichi seeks talks with Trump before his meeting with China's Xi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seeking a meeting with US President Donald Trump before the latter's expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported on Monday.

Takaichi would prefer to speak with Trump before his meeting with Xi when she visits New York for the UN General Assembly later this month, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported on Monday, citing a Japanese government source.

Japan is seeking to coordinate with the US on China amid concerns about a possible rapprochement between the two major powers, as Xi and Trump are expected to meet in Washington on Sept. 24.

Tokyo, according to sources, is emphasizing dialogue rather than insisting on a particular format for the talks.

Japan fears that Trump may make concessions to China on issues such as Taiwan to secure economic gains ahead of the November midterm elections in the US.

Such an outcome, a Japanese government source said, could affect Tokyo's security and economic interests.

According to the latest schedule from the UN, Takaichi and Trump are both set to deliver addresses on Sept. 22.

If Takaichi is unable to meet Trump while in the US, she is likely to seek out a phone call with him around the time of the Washington-Beijing summit.

Diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing have been strained under the Takaichi government after she suggested in parliament in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a military response from Japan.

Separately, Takaichi is mulling reshuffling her Cabinet and ruling party executives as early as Sept. 16, according to Kyodo News.