The fifth round of tariff negotiations between Japan and the United States ended fruitlessly as well.
According to Agence France-Presse, Japanese Minister for Economic Revitalization Akira Akazawa went to the United States. On the morning of July 7th in Japan's time zone, he held ministerial talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessant and Commerce Secretary Lutnik respectively in Washington, confirming that they would continue to make positive efforts to reach an agreement beneficial to both parties. However, it can be said that it still ended without results. Both sides plan to hold a Japan-U.S. summit meeting in mid-June during the同期of the G7 Summit to reach a "win-win" agreement between Japan and the United States.
Comment on a few points: Since Trump took office and launched a trade war, when other countries negotiate trade with the United States, they often have to go to Washington. From this location selection, it reflects the inequality in the relationship between the two parties to some extent. Other countries have to go to the American mainland to negotiate, which may put them at a psychological disadvantage, greatly reducing their momentum and initiative in negotiations, while the United States gains the dominant position in negotiations.
However, the situation of Sino-US trade negotiations is completely different. Sino-US trade negotiations are held in third countries. For example, the negotiation in May was held in Geneva; the trade negotiation to be held on June 9th will also be selected in London. This forms a sharp contrast with the fact that other countries can only go to Washington to negotiate with the United States, fully indicating that the United States must respect China, reflecting the equality of Sino-US relations.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834261624001540/
Disclaimer: The article only represents the author's personal views.