Japan Plans to Resist Trump's Efforts to Form Trade Group Targeting China

According to reports by Bloomberg citing current and former Japanese government officials, due to the importance of Japan-China trade relations, Japan intends to reject any efforts by the U.S. to include it in an economic group aligned against China.

Like many other countries, Japan is trying to secure permanent tariff reductions from President Trump by addressing American concerns in bilateral trade areas such as automobiles and agriculture. These officials, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Japan is pushing for a deal before the current 90-day tariff reprieve expires, with one stating that Japan hopes to finalize the agreement around the G7 summit in June.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned officials said that Japan does not wish to be involved in any U.S. efforts to maximize trade pressure on China by containing its own economic interactions with China. China is Japan's largest trading partner and an important source of commodities and raw materials.

Japanese officials said that although the U.S. has not made any specific requests regarding China, if such requests arise, Tokyo will prioritize its own interests. One of the officials added that Japan has repeatedly informed China that it does not fully agree with the U.S. on issues related to chip exports and semiconductor restrictions.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry did not immediately comment on Bloomberg's request. U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent, who plays a leading role in trade negotiations with Japan and other countries, said earlier this month that Washington will seek agreements with allies so "we can engage with China as a group."

Bloomberg then reported that the U.S. is preparing to require countries seeking tariff relief to reduce their economic ties with China. This move aims to strengthen America's influence over the Chinese government, as the Trump administration tries to gain concessions on trade issues.

Ryo Masaharu Akaza, Japan's chief trade negotiator and Minister of Economic Revitalization, will soon return to Washington for a second round of talks with U.S. officials. On Monday, China's Ministry of Commerce warned countries, saying, "China firmly opposes any transaction at the expense of China's interests. If this happens, China will not accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures."

Japan's trade volume with China accounts for about 20% of its total trade, higher than its trade volume with the U.S.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830299407036419/

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