Japanese government sources say US President Donald Trump defended Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae when he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to the sources, the Chinese leader told Trump during their meeting in Beijing in mid-May that Japan's rearmament policy poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

Xi also reportedly criticized Takaichi and Taiwan President Lai Ching-te by name.

The sources said Trump did not agree with Xi and instead praised Takaichi as a great leader.

They said Trump told Takaichi about these exchanges when the two leaders spoke on the phone on May 15, hours after the US president wrapped up his visit to China and was aboard Air Force One.

In March, with the deterioration of the relationship between Japan and China in mind, Trump told Takaichi that he intended to speak Japan's praises when he meets with the Chinese president.

With midterm elections scheduled for this fall in the United States, maintaining stable relations with China remains an important issue for Trump.

As for Japan, the situation highlights the lack of signs of improvement in its ties with China.