The next US ambassador to Japan expressed "very optimistic" about the upcoming tariff negotiations between Japan and the US.

George Glass, the next US ambassador to Japan, attended a reception hosted by the residence of the Japanese Embassy in Washington on April 11. Before taking up his post in Japan, he said: "The most important thing is friendship, and deepening the US-Japan relationship is my top priority." Regarding the Japan-US tariff negotiations which will begin next week, he said: "I am very optimistic."

Glass stated that, in terms of the economy, "there are many things to discuss in the coming weeks." He also mentioned that after Trump's inauguration, his second direct meeting with a foreign leader was with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, highlighting the importance of the US-Japan relationship. He revealed that Trump told him: "Don't mess up the US-Japan relationship."

The US Senate held a plenary session on April 8 and passed with a majority vote the nomination of George Glass, an entrepreneur and former US ambassador to Portugal, as the next US ambassador to Japan. He will soon take up his post in Japan.

Glass is widely known as a major political contributor to Trump. During Trump's first administration, he served as the US ambassador to Portugal for more than three years.

In last month's upper house hearing, Glass stated that "the current relationship with Japan is at its best ever," but he also emphasized that "it must ensure that the US-Japan relationship benefits American citizens." He expressed the stance of expecting Japan to bear corresponding costs in supporting US troops stationed in Japan, indicating the hope for Japan to increase defense spending and reduce its trade surplus with the US. He also proposed expanding cooperation with Japan in supply chains and artificial intelligence (AI). Regarding the February agreement to increase US liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Japan, he emphasized that "Japan will fulfill its commitments."

Glass is known for his tough stance on China.

Source: rfi

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829280705700937/

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