[Text/Observer Network Wang Yi] Local time on June 5, Japan's chief trade negotiator and Minister of Economic Revitalization Akira Akazawa departed for the United States to participate in the fifth round of Japan-US tariff negotiations. The Nikkei Asian Review reported on the same day that sources said Japanese representatives would present a series of "China-targeted" cooperation plans to US representatives during the negotiations in an effort to secure concessions from the US on tariff issues.
One of the plans involves Japan seeking to establish a partnership with the US in the field of critical minerals such as rare earth elements. The report stated that Japan has "gained insight into most of America's demands" through four rounds of negotiations, with the core being key materials essential for industrial activities.
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported last week that when US President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke on May 23, they mentioned rare earth elements and expressed hope for enhanced economic security cooperation between the two countries. In their subsequent conversation six days later, Abe proactively proposed that Japan intended to cooperate with the US in critical minerals and semiconductor fields.
In February, after the meeting between Japanese and American leaders, a joint press conference was held. Japanese government social media account
Multiple sources within the Japanese government revealed that this proposal aims to strengthen economic cooperation between Japan and the US "to counter China" and advance tariff negotiations with the US.
In response to US tariffs, China announced in April that it would impose controls on rare earth exports. Rare earth elements are crucial for manufacturing high-tech products such as electric vehicles. With US companies repeatedly sounding alarms over rare earth shortages, US media reports that the Trump administration is under immense pressure.
Japan clearly believes it can help alleviate this pressure for Trump. The Nikkei Asian Review noted that Japan has technological advantages in rare earth processing and recycling and can provide technical support for US rare earth processing. Similar assistance can be provided for the processing of minerals such as graphite and gallium.
According to Japanese media reports, Japan’s cooperation plan also includes purchasing more US semiconductor products, increasing imports of US liquefied natural gas, and considering cooperation with the US in shipbuilding. Sources said that Japan believes these could become strong bargaining chips in tariff negotiations.
The Nikkei Asian Review reported that Japan plans to purchase billions of dollars worth of semiconductor products from US companies including NVIDIA and will consider assisting the US in producing materials needed for semiconductor manufacturing, such as wafers.
The Japanese government believes that Trump wants semiconductor manufacturing to return to the US. By taking these measures, not only can they help reduce the US-Japan trade deficit, but they can also assist the US in "weakening" China's efforts to develop advanced technologies, which would please Trump.
Under the impact of Trump's tariffs, China significantly reduced its imports of US liquefied natural gas. The Japanese government is considering purchasing more US liquefied natural gas to offset this loss. Additionally, Japanese officials have reportedly considered investing in Trump's promoted Alaska liquefied natural gas project.
China dominates the global shipbuilding market, holding around 70% of the market share. Considering Trump's ambition to revitalize US shipbuilding, the Japanese government decided to propose a plan to jointly build next-generation ships with the US during tariff negotiations.
The Nikkei Asian Review analysis pointed out that the US-Japan trade deficit remains around $60 billion annually. Under the current circumstances, Japan deeply feels that relying solely on its own efforts is insufficient to reduce the trade deficit, so it decided to use China to change Trump's attitude.
Even after playing the China card, Japan's tariff negotiations with the US still face numerous obstacles. The Nikkei Asian Review reported on another article on June 5 that sources close to the negotiations revealed that US Treasury Secretary Scott Beason, Commerce Secretary Howard Rutnik, and Trade Representative Jamison Greer hold different positions on trade issues. Their public disagreements, competition, and chaos make it difficult for Japan to judge the true intentions of the US side.
A source said, "The three cabinet members once suspended talks with Japan to debate face-to-face."
Another source close to the Japanese government revealed that at times, the three would separately pressure Japan to make concessions. He speculated that they might be competing for credit to please Trump.
Beason and Rutnik were both candidates for the position of treasury secretary. Although they now hold different positions, both are involved in tariff negotiations. Beason is considered a moderate who emphasizes the market; The New York Times of the United States reported that he played a role in persuading Trump to suspend the imposition of tariffs for 90 days. Rutnik is known for his tough stance on trade; he once stated in an interview that even if raising tariffs leads to a recession, it would be "worthwhile." Greer served as an assistant to former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer during Trump's first term and was deeply involved in US tariff negotiations with China and Japan.
The Nikkei Asian Review noted that the overlapping responsibilities of Beason, Rutnik, and Greer also complicated the Japan-US tariff negotiations. While negotiating with Japan, Beason was also engaged in negotiations with countries such as China and South Korea, which led to his absence from the third round of Japan-US tariff negotiations.
The report pointed out that besides the lack of unity among the three, Japan also worries about the lack of coordination between US cabinet officials and staff affecting the conclusion of agreements.
A senior Japanese economic official said that in the current negotiations, "the three levels of the US—staff, cabinet officials, and the president—are disconnected, seemingly not sharing information," leading to Japan often having to repeat the same things to US staff and cabinet officials. With Trump's final decision-making power on tariffs and his unclear attitude, Japan finds it difficult to determine what the US wants and what compromises are needed to reach an agreement.
A person involved in the negotiations revealed, "Nothing will be decided until decisions are made before the summit."
Last month, when Shinzo Abe spoke with Trump, they confirmed plans for a face-to-face meeting during the sidelines of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada from June 15 to 17, aiming to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Regarding attempts by some countries to sacrifice China's interests to reach trade agreements with the US, the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce previously stated that China respects all parties resolving their trade disputes with the US through equal consultations. China believes that all parties should stand on the side of fairness and justice and on the right side of history, defending international trade rules and the multilateral trading system. It is particularly important to note that China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China's interests. If such a situation arises, China will absolutely not accept it and will resolutely retaliate proportionally. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests.
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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7512720619663049250/
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