[Source/Observer Network, Lin Chenli, Zhang Yixin]

According to reports by NHK, Kyodo News and others, just before the third round of ministerial-level negotiations between the United States and Japan was about to begin, on May 23rd local time, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, reiterating Japan's request to reassess a series of tariff measures. After the call, Shinzo Abe told reporters that this call was proposed by Trump.

This is also the first phone call between the leaders of the United States and Japan since the U.S. initiated "reciprocal tariffs" in early April.

On the same day, Japan's chief trade negotiator and Minister for Economic Revitalization, Akira Arita, was also heading to the U.S. to participate in the third round of U.S.-Japan tariff trade negotiations. As an important ally and largest investor for the United States, Japan currently faces a 24% "reciprocal tariff" rate, far exceeding market expectations.

Reportedly, during the approximately 45-minute conversation, Shinzo Abe expressed hope that the upcoming U.S.-Japan talks on the 24th would have "productive discussions," and Trump expressed similar views.

Shinzo Abe meeting with reporters after the call, image from the Japanese Prime Minister's Office

According to NHK reports, during the talks, Japan "strongly requested" the U.S. to reassess a series of tariff measures including automobile tariffs, while the U.S. insisted on eliminating the trade deficit, leading to "significant differences in their positions."

Regarding future U.S.-Japan negotiations, he stated: "During the call, both sides confirmed their commitment to building a win-win relationship, and I truly felt that many consensuses were reached. Japan's policy has not changed, which is to focus more on investment than tariffs. Japan and the U.S. will cooperate to explore how investments in the U.S. can create job opportunities."

In addition, Shinzo Abe mentioned his expectation of a "face-to-face meeting" with Trump during the G7 Summit in Canada next month, to which Trump responded, "I look forward to it as well."

The two also exchanged opinions on diplomatic and security issues. Trump introduced his recent visit to the Middle East, to which Shinzo Abe replied, "I appreciate the diplomatic efforts made by the U.S."

After the call, Shinzo Abe told reporters that this call was proposed by Trump.

On the local time of the 23rd, the third round of negotiations between the U.S. and Japan will be held in Washington. The Japanese side will still be led by Akira Arita, while the U.S. side will be led by U.S. Trade Representative Greer. Treasury Secretary Bessent is expected not to attend.

At the beginning of this month, Akira Arita had previously gone to the U.S. to negotiate trade issues with the U.S. side, but no substantial results were achieved - at that time, the U.S. refused to cancel the "reciprocal tariffs" imposed on Japan and showed no intention of discussing tariffs on specific products such as automobiles and steel.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun report, Akira plans to return to Washington on May 30th to meet with Bessent.

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507524001560904232/

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