[Trump Brags, Japanese Delegation Returns Empty-Handed]
The chief Japanese trade negotiator, Akira Akezawa, unexpectedly met with Trump and left Washington.
No immediate agreement was reached between Japan and the U.S., yet Trump boasted of significant progress.
Both sides agreed to hold a second meeting this month and seek a rapid resolution.
Trump mentioned that the Japanese delegation had hinted at discussing whether Japan should bear more economic burden for U.S. military bases in Japan, and he repeatedly referred to the U.S.-Japan security treaty as "unfair."
Akira Akezawa called Trump's tariffs "extremely regrettable," urged the White House to reach an agreement to strengthen bilateral economic ties, and expressed "great gratitude" for Trump's meeting with his delegation.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated there was a "national crisis," emphasizing that the trade negotiations were a priority for Trump, and that the talks would not be easy; Akezawa also mentioned that the talks did not involve exchange rates or yen depreciation, which would be discussed separately by the U.S. Treasury Secretary and the Japanese Finance Minister, and reiterated that Japan does not manipulate the market to devalue the yen.
The U.S. has imposed 25% tariffs on Japanese cars, steel, and aluminum, rejecting Japan's request for exemption. The prospect of an additional 24% tax under Trump's "reciprocal" tariff system has shaken Japanese businesses; by the end of the fiscal year in March, Japan's trade surplus with the U.S. reached 90 trillion yen (630 billion USD).
The U.S.-Japan trade negotiations have drawn global attention as a probe into Trump's strategy in the trade war. If the relationship deteriorates, Japan faces significant risks in both economy and security; if the next round of talks involves increased defense spending by Japan, it will boost the stock prices of Japan's defense contractors.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829653832451082/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's viewpoint.