Tokyo, Nov. 27 -- US President Donald Trump urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a recent phone conversation to avoid heightening tensions with China over Taiwan, Kyodo News reported, citing The Wall Street Journal.

The discussion came as Tokyo-Beijing strains intensified following Takaichi's remarks in parliament earlier this month, where she indicated that a Chinese attack on the island could trigger a scenario requiring Japan's defence forces to act.

According to Kyodo News, the newspaper said Trump's guidance was measured and that he "didn't pressure Takaichi to walk back her comments," quoting individuals familiar with the exchange.

A Japanese government source told Kyodo News on Thursday that both leaders spoke abo...