According to the Associated Press, on May 29th local time, at the 30th "Future of Asia" International Forum held in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivered a speech, vowing that Japan will defend the rule-based free trade system and is committed to promoting the expansion of trade agreements in the Asia-Pacific region. The report pointed out that Ishiba's remarks come as the United States' imposition of tariffs has triggered global tensions in trade relations. In his speech, Ishiba criticized the U.S. tariff policy, saying, "High tariffs cannot bring economic prosperity, and prosperity gained at the expense of others or other countries' interests cannot build a solid economy." He expressed that Japan seeks to cooperate with the United States in investment, job creation, and high-end manufacturing to promote shared prosperity. [Image: A picture of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivering a speech at the "Future of Asia" forum on May 29th. Source: Bloomberg] The Associated Press noted that as Ishiba made these remarks, Japan's chief trade negotiator, Akira Chirita, was heading to Washington, the U.S. capital, for the fourth round of trade negotiations with U.S. officials, attempting to persuade the U.S. side to revoke recent tariffs imposed on Japanese products. In previous negotiations, the U.S. side did not make substantive concessions. It was reported that Japan is considering purchasing more American agricultural products and weapons as negotiation chips. On the evening of May 29th, Ishiba held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. Ishiba told reporters that this call allowed both sides to "gain a deeper understanding of each other," but Japan's position on the tariff issue remained unchanged. Chirita disclosed to the media that Japan's purchase of U.S. weapons may become an agenda item in this round of trade negotiations. Although such purchases can improve the U.S.'s trade deficit with Japan, Chirita emphasized that Japan's security policy cannot be used as a bargaining chip in reaching agreements with other countries. Source: Global Times Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7510429294850785827/ Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Like/Dislike" buttons below.