[By Guancha Observer Network, Zhang Jingjuan] According to Reuters, on April 28 local time, Shoichi Kono, chairman of the Policy Research Council of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, expressed concern about the possible dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during his visit in Washington, stating that China will step in where the U.S. withdraws and proposed that Japan could help fill the gap.

Kono made the remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in the U.S. He said that Japan expects this institution to eventually be restored, "but during this period, Japan may be able to take action. This might be a time for Japan to support the U.S."

The United States Agency for International Development was established in 1961 during Kennedy's administration to consolidate various foreign aid programs under one agency. As one of the important "soft power" tools for the U.S. to connect with other parts of the world, this agency provides substantial financial support globally each year.

Senior officials of the U.S. Department of State announced on the 22nd that employees of the USAID would soon receive email notifications asking them to choose between leaving in July or September. All offices of the USAID around the world will also be closed, with its functions being integrated into the U.S. Department of State. Previously, in March, the Trump administration informed Congress of the intention to cut almost all remaining positions of the USAID and close the agency.

On April 28 local time, Shoichi Kono, chairman of the Policy Research Council of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, participated in an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington. Social platform

It was reported that Kono also called on Trump to reconsider the so-called "reciprocal tariff" policy that day. He believed that it might have negative impacts on Indo-Pacific security.

Kono said that Tokyo was particularly concerned about the impact on Southeast Asia. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's current visit to the region highlighted this concern. Abe began a four-day visit to Vietnam and the Philippines on the 27th.

He warned that the ten ASEAN countries might gradually distance themselves from the U.S. due to tariff issues.

"This is what we are worried about. We hope Trump's tariffs can be reconsidered," Kono stated.

Kono claimed that Abe's attention to ASEAN was deeply concerning. He warned: "Trump's tariffs may have significant impacts beyond the economic sphere. For our American allies, we believe they might also produce considerable effects in the security sphere."

He claimed that the stability of East Asia requires stronger deterrence from both the U.S. and Japan. "We hope Trump's tariffs won't disrupt this," he said.

According to reports, Japan has been the largest investor in the U.S. for five consecutive years, making significant contributions to the U.S. economy and creating many jobs. Kono emphasized that Trump's tariffs might weaken the strength of Japanese companies. If so, they would lack the ability to continue investing in the U.S.

On April 28 local time, in Washington, Shoichi Kono (second from left) and former Chairman of the Election Strategy Committee of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, Shinjiro Koizumi (third from left), attended a think tank event. Kyodo News

According to reports by Kyodo News, on that day, Shoichi Kono and Shinjiro Koizumi, former Chairman of the Election Strategy Committee of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, also attended a seminar hosted by the Hudson Institute. Both expressed concerns over Trump's tariff measures and his coercive stance toward allies in negotiations. They emphasized that Japan contributes to the U.S. economy and employment through its investments and called for expanding cooperation in the security field.

At the meeting, Kono said that Asian countries are currently shaken by Trump's tariff policies, and some countries might distance themselves from the U.S. and lean toward China.

Shinjiro Koizumi then said, "The tariff issue has become an opportunity to reevaluate the close economic and security ties between Japan and the U.S." He listed areas where Japan and the U.S. could cooperate, including building and maintaining U.S. warships and civilian-military vessels in Japan, as well as direct investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

As a close ally of the U.S., Japan was hit by a 24% "reciprocal tariff" rate, far exceeding market expectations. The auto industry, which serves as the cornerstone of its economy, faces a 25% punitive tariff.

Recently, the U.S. and Japan have been vigorously negotiating tariffs. On April 16, as the head of state of the U.S., Trump participated in ministerial-level talks, directly meeting with lower-level Japanese negotiators. It was reported that Akira Akazawa will visit the U.S. starting on the 30th to conduct the second round of negotiations.

This article is an exclusive piece by the Guancha Observer Network and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498567530051633702/

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