【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】After the Trump administration sent a letter to Japan notifying them of a 25% tariff, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shoichi stated that Japan "must not be underestimated" in the tariff negotiations with the Trump administration. The next day, he again said that Japan should strive to reduce its reliance on the United States.

The Japanese Kyodo News reported that it is rare for the current Japanese prime minister to use such a strong tone towards the United States. Ishiba's remarks have caused controversy domestically in Japan. Some Japanese experts and government officials are concerned that this could have a negative impact on the ongoing tariff negotiations.

On July 11, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio responded, stating that he "did not think" the remarks were "negative comments."

Rubio's response: Not taking it as negative

According to the U.S. Department of State website, Rubio attended a press conference while attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur. During this time, a reporter asked him how he would comment on Ishiba's statement that "Japan should reduce its dependence on the U.S."

"We did not discuss this issue with the Japanese side, but ultimately, I do not think it is a negative comment," Rubio answered, adding that the U.S. and Japan have a very solid commitment and alliance relationship, and both sides continue to cooperate closely.

Rubio continued by saying that in some ways, Japan developing its own defense capabilities "would not offend us, but rather something we support." He added that of course, this needs to be done within the framework of the Japanese constitution, as there are some limitations on Japan's military capabilities.

Regarding the U.S. demand for Japan to increase defense spending, Rubio denied that the U.S. had made a "requirement."

"I would not describe it as a requirement. What I mean is that we encourage them to invest in certain capabilities," Rubio argued, stating that the U.S. and Japan have an agreement on collective self-defense, allowing mutual assistance in times of conflict or danger, "we believe they have high potential in certain capabilities."

Rubio repeatedly emphasized that the relationship between the U.S. and Japan is "very close," "very long-standing," and "solid," and will continue. He said, "Therefore, when we have some differences of opinion, these differences will be open, not private. So I don't think it is negative. We have a very strong and very good relationship with Japan, which will not change."

Rubio's response to Ishiba's statement on July 11, screenshot from video

Japanese media: Ishiba's rare remarks, causing concern in Japan

On July 7, U.S. President Trump sent letters to Japan and South Korea, informing them of 25% tariffs respectively. Foreign media generally interpreted this as a new move by Trump to pressure Japan and South Korea, as well as a message to other countries. These letters suggest there is room for negotiation, but also warn the other party that if they take retaliatory actions, the U.S. will "match them equally."

"Strong anger," "extremely impolite," "too arrogant" ... multiple officials from the ruling coalition of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito expressed their dissatisfaction with the Trump administration.

On the 9th, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shoichi gave a street speech where he said that in the tariff negotiations with the Trump administration, Japan "must not be underestimated." He said, "This is a battle for national interests, and we must not be underestimated. Even though the U.S. is our ally, we must boldly state our position to protect what we must protect."

Ishiba's statement on the 9th: Japan must not be underestimated, Japanese media

Kyodo News reported that Ishiba's "rare" comments have caused controversy in Japan. Some Japanese experts and government officials are concerned that this could have a negative impact on the ongoing tariff negotiations.

Japan was one of the first countries to engage in bilateral trade negotiations with the U.S. Despite multiple rounds of ministerial-level talks, Japan has still failed to bridge the gap with its main trading partner, the U.S. Japan has consistently emphasized the contributions of Japanese companies to the U.S., but Trump seems unmoved, insisting that tariffs are an effective way to reduce the huge trade deficit between the U.S. and Japan. There are also disputes between the two countries on issues such as automobiles and rice.

After the comments sparked debate, the next day (on the 10th), Ishiba said in a TV program that his intention was that Japan should strive to reduce its reliance on the U.S. He further explained, "If their idea is that because we rely on them so much, we must listen and follow their words, we would say, 'Don't look down on us.'"

However, opposition lawmakers in Japan still believe that Ishiba's tough stance toward the U.S. is a "campaign strategy," which is not conducive to reaching an agreement.

The leader of the small opposition party, the National Democratic Party, Tamanaka Yuichiro, told reporters, "Even as a campaign strategy, using such a strong tone in the absence of the negotiating partner, even if Japan hopes to smoothly advance the negotiations, this will have a negative impact. This comment will instead harm our national interests."

A source close to Ishiba's government said that Ishiba's comments "definitely made the situation of the negotiators more complicated."

Within the Liberal Democratic Party, which Ishiba belongs to, there are also expressions of dissatisfaction. Senior LDP member Sato Masahisa posted on social media, saying, "It looks like this comment raised the bar for bilateral negotiations. He shouldn't have made such comments during the campaign."

With the Japanese House of Councillors election approaching on July 20, whether the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito can maintain a majority of seats is a key suspense. In the previous October Japanese House of Representatives election, the ruling coalition's seats had already fallen below half, becoming a minority government.

A recent Kyodo News survey showed that the opposition camp is more popular than the ruling coalition, with nearly half (49.9%) of respondents hoping the ruling coalition does not reach the goal of a majority of seats. The survey showed that the approval rating of Ishiba's cabinet has dropped to 25.4%, a decrease of seven percentage points from the previous survey.

This article is an exclusive article by Observer Net. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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