TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan on Thursday rejected a US intelligence assessment that its position on a potential Taiwan contingency marked a “significant shift,” Reuters reported.

The pushback follows remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae late last year that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a military response from Tokyo. The comments drew a sharp reaction from China.

Takaichi has said her remarks align with Japan’s longstanding policy. However, a US intelligence report released Wednesday said they departed from the tone of previous Japanese leaders.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru said the US assessment was inaccurate. He said Japan’s approach to determining an “existential crisis situation” remains consistent with past policy.

The differing interpretations could cast a shadow over Takaichi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump. The talks are also complicated by Washington’s request for allies to help secure shipping near the Strait of Hormuz amid conflict in the Middle East.

Tensions between Japan and China have worsened since Takaichi’s remarks. Beijing has discouraged travel to Japan and restricted some exports, straining bilateral ties.

The US report said China is likely to intensify such pressure this year. It said the moves aim to punish Japan and deter other countries from signaling involvement in a Taiwan contingency.

The report also said China does not plan to invade Taiwan next year and continues to seek control without force. The Pentagon has said Beijing is building capabilities to prevail in a conflict by that date if needed.