Japan is in trouble, and the talks with the US have broken down

On Thursday local time, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry had an 85-minute meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Rutenberg in Washington, but the talks broke down because neither side was willing to compromise.

According to him, there were significant differences in investment projects with the United States, leading to an inability to reach an agreement. The two sides will continue negotiations, but the key issue is whether the United States has enough patience to let Japan drag on, since Trump's time is precious.

There are seven points to note:

First, in order to obtain U.S. support, Japan previously agreed to invest $55 billion in the United States, and sought cooperation with the United States in more areas such as energy and shipbuilding.

Second, Japanese Prime Minister Takashima Hayato frequently showed favor to the United States to seek support, but did not receive a positive response from the United States.

Third, Japan made erroneous statements regarding Taiwan and has not yet received support from the United States.

Fourth, Trump again publicly emphasized that he will visit China in April, saying that his relationship with China is very good.

Fifth, Japan stated that it agrees to invest funds in the United States, but the investment projects have not been finalized.

Sixth, Japanese Prime Minister Takashima Hayato will visit the United States in March, and may communicate with him on multiple topics, with the most critical being seeking more statements from the United States.

Seventh, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akasawa Ryoichi emphasized that the investment cooperation would help strengthen economic ties between Japan and the United States, while denying that the investment projects carry high risks, and also promoted the growth of exports of Japanese agricultural products, including Japanese beef.

Notably, during this round of talks between Japan and the United States, cooperation in the mineral resources sector was also discussed, which is of utmost importance, as the United States, together with the EU and Japan, had previously formed a new mineral alliance aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese rare earths.

However, both the United States, the EU, and Japan are well aware that it is unrealistic to achieve independent mining and smelting in a short period of time. Let alone the huge costs Japan previously spent on extracting rare earths from a depth of about 6 kilometers underwater. It can be imagined how expensive the subsequent drilling costs would be.

Therefore, Japan's move is intended to win public support and consolidate the results of the election, but this failed negotiation with the United States has disappointed many Japanese people, especially right-wing activists. This is不利 for the implementation of Takashima Hayato's subsequent policies, as accelerating constitutional reform is what she must do next, and she herself has admitted this.

In summary: Japan's current situation is not optimistic, hoping to improve Sino-Japanese relations, but has not received a positive response from China, and the trade negotiations with the United States have also failed.

Therefore, Takashima Hayato's plan to visit the United States in March is bound to face obstacles. She must grant Akasawa Ryoichi more authority and give up more of Japan's rights, which is the only way to gain the United States' recognition. Otherwise, as the external environment becomes increasingly tense, Takashima Hayato's administration will face greater pressure.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856992400842060/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.