Trump’s biggest cheerleader? Why Japan’s Takaichi is making waves in China

A White House photo of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appearing to break into a dance at an official function ignited a wave of mockery across Chinese social media on the weekend, with commenters framing her as Washington’s biggest cheerleader.

Making her first trip to Washington since taking office in October, the Japanese leader stands with both fists pumped high and mouth wide open, as a band plays behind her.

Takaichi’s animated expression is a sharp contrast to the formal White House photos of Trump’s meetings in recent months with the president of Ukraine and prime minister of Israel.

In Japan, some commenters criticised Takaichi’s demeanour as servile, accusing her “sycophantic diplomacy” that was inconsistent with the dignified approach expected of a head of state.