[Source/Observer Network Qi Qian] According to reports by Japanese media such as Reuters and Kyodo News, on April 21, Japanese Prime Minister Shibuya Morihiko stated at the House of Councillors Budget Committee meeting that Japan will not link security negotiations with tariff negotiations. He also pointed out that Japan does not intend to "follow orders blindly" and bear a larger share of the costs for US troops stationed in Japan as required by the United States.
The report said that Shibuya Morihiko made the above remarks in response to a question from Komeito Party Secretary-General Akira Komatsu.
When asked about the cost of US troops stationed in Japan, Shibuya Morihiko said that regarding the presence of US troops in Japan, Japan has already shouldered "a greater burden than other countries," but the US side still believes it is "insufficient." However, "we do not intend to follow orders blindly and increase our burden as the US side requests."
He pointed out that although Japan argues that the issue of the cost of US troops stationed in Japan and tariffs are two separate issues, the US side conflates them. "I believe we should not link tariff negotiations with security issues. Tariff negotiations are just tariff negotiations, and security discussions are just security discussions."
In addition, Shibuya Morihiko also refuted US President Trump's statement that "the US protects Japan, but Japan does not protect the US." He said that this statement "is incorrect," and Japan is constantly striving to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Regarding the "reciprocal tariff" and auto tariffs threatened by the US, Shibuya Morihiko said, "Japan will unite with many countries to advocate the importance of free trade, but I do not think that retaliatory tariffs serve Japan's national interests. I believe we need to carefully consider how to strike a balance and uphold Japan's position in the world."
He also said, "If Japan gives up everything, we will not be able to ensure our national interests."
Shibuya Morihiko attended the House of Councillors Budget Committee meeting on April 21, Kyodo News
Bloomberg reported that Shibuya Morihiko's statement that "Japan will not always yield to US demands" is one of his most forceful statements since Trump triggered the global trade war and sought entry into Japan's automotive and agricultural sectors.
On April 14, Shibuya Morihiko said that the US government's tariff policies could disrupt the global economic order. Reuters reported at the time that this was Shibuya Morihiko's "strongest warning so far" against Trump's decisions that could harm the world economy.
On the 17th, Japanese negotiators held preliminary talks with US officials in Washington. Currently, Japan is making efforts to finalize the strategy for the second round of negotiations before the end of April. The specific details of the US side's requirements are unclear, but Trump frequently complained that US cars have difficulty entering the Japanese market. Additionally, some senior US officials emphasized that Japan's import tariffs on agricultural products like rice are examples of "unfair trade barriers."
According to The Nikkei Asia, Japan is considering discussing auto safety standards in tariff negotiations. Japan believes that it can relax standards in areas like crash tests to use as leverage in trade negotiations with the US.
Shibuya Morihiko met with US Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty on April 22, Kyodo News
Bloomberg believed that for Shibuya Morihiko, compromising in the automotive and agricultural sectors carries high risks. The automobile industry is Japan's most profitable export sector, while Japanese farmers are an important support base for his ruling Liberal Democratic Party. A public opinion survey conducted by the Asahi Shimbun on the 21st showed that only 30% of the public supports Shibuya Morihiko's cabinet, while 56% oppose it.
At the meeting on the 21st, Shibuya Morihiko did not mention specific countermeasures, but he ruled out sacrificing farmers' interests to cancel the 25% auto tariff. He said, "We have been making efforts to protect Japanese agriculture through various means, such as tariffs and minimum access rules. We must continue to protect it, and of course, we must also protect consumer safety."
In addition, Shibuya Morihiko expressed "serious concern" about the inconsistency between the US tariff policy and the content of the 2019 US-Japan trade agreement. He said, "We will continue to convey our stance from this perspective to the US," but he stated that Japan has no plans to completely terminate the 2019 agreement.
According to Kyodo News, at the Economic and Fiscal Policy Advisory Council meeting on the 21st, Shibuya Morihiko said that Japan "will strive to strengthen supply chains" to mitigate the negative impact of US tariff policies.
On the same day, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno revealed at a press conference that a special task force responsible for US tariff negotiations had been established. It is reported that the group includes officials from departments such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Matsuno said, "We will cooperate closely, transcend the boundaries of ministries and agencies, and prioritize and fully address negotiations with the US and necessary measures for domestic industries with a nationwide perspective."
It was noted that after Trump first became President of the United States, he consistently demanded that Japan reduce its trade deficit and threatened to impose tariffs on imported automobiles and parts on grounds of national security. On September 25, 2019, Trump and the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed the initial US-Japan Trade Agreement during the United Nations General Assembly in New York and issued a joint statement, signing the formal agreement in October.
Notably, the agreement only mentioned that consultations on automobiles and automotive parts would continue. However, at the joint press conference, Abe told reporters in front of Trump, "The essence of the US-Japan Joint Statement is not to impose tariffs on Japanese automobiles and parts. I have confirmed this with President Trump, and President Trump also acknowledged it."
"Is the agreement six years ago with Trump still valid?" In February, The Nikkei Asia published an article stating that the US commitment not to tax Japanese automobiles and parts has been repeated by Abe multiple times and cited by the Japanese government in some trade-related documents.
This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.
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