[Source / Observer Network, Wang Yi] According to a June 6 report by the Nikkei Asian Review, sources close to the US-Japan tariff negotiations complained that US Treasury Secretary Scott Beason, Commerce Secretary Howard Rutnik, and Trade Representative Jameson Greer held different positions on trade issues. Their public disagreements, competition, and chaos made it difficult for Japan to judge America's true intentions.

A source said, "The three cabinet officials once paused their talks with Japan and began debating face-to-face."

Another source close to the Japanese government revealed that these three individuals sometimes pressured Japan separately to make concessions. He speculated that they might be competing for credit to please Trump.

From left to right: US Trade Representative Jameson Greer, Commerce Secretary Howard Rutnik, Treasury Secretary Scott Beason, and Japanese chief trade negotiator Akira Aizawa - Kyodo News

Beason and Rutnik were both candidates for the position of treasury secretary. Although they now hold different positions, both are involved in tariff negotiations. Beason is considered a moderate who values the market; The New York Times reported that he played a role in persuading Trump to delay the imposition of tariffs for 90 days. Rutnik, known for his tough stance on trade, stated in an interview that even if raising tariffs causes an economic recession, it would be "worthwhile." Greer served as an assistant to former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer during Trump's first administration and was deeply involved in US-China and US-Japan tariff negotiations at the time.

The Nikkei Asian Review noted that the overlap in duties among Beason, Rutnik, and Greer also complicated US-Japan tariff negotiations. While negotiating with Japan, Beason was also engaged in talks with China, South Korea, and other countries, leading to his absence from the third round of US-Japan tariff negotiations.

The report pointed out that besides the lack of unity among the three, Japan also worried about the lack of coordination between US cabinet members and staff, which could affect reaching an agreement.

A senior Japanese economic official said that in the current negotiations, "The three levels in the United States—staff, cabinet members, and the president—are disconnected, seemingly not sharing information," which caused Japan to repeatedly explain the same things to US staff and cabinet members. With Trump, who has the final say on tariffs, being unclear in his stance, Japan found it difficult to determine what the US wanted and what concessions were needed to reach an agreement.

A participant in the negotiations revealed, "Nothing will be decided until the summit makes a decision."

Last month, when Shinzo Abe spoke with Trump, they confirmed plans for a face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada from June 15 to 17, hoping to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

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Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7512734003149947404/

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