Japanese Prime Minister Says Trump's Criticism of Japan May Be Based on Misunderstanding or Wrong Information

On July 3, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Ko shi stated during an NHK program about the tariff negotiations with the United States: "Although it is inconvenient to disclose the current stage of the negotiation, it can be clearly said that the negotiation is steadily and solidly proceeding." Regarding President Trump's dissatisfaction with Japan's rice and car imports, he pointed out: "This may be based on a misunderstanding, or incorrect information has been received." He also said: "Regarding what Trump called 'unfair', we will inform 'it is not the case' or express 'we will improve this part', and deal with it properly while taking into account national interests."

On July 1, Prime Minister Ishiba stated at a press conference, when asked about President Trump's remarks on the tariff negotiations between Japan and the US on July 1: "I doubt whether an agreement can be reached." He also said he would "increase tariffs on Japan to 30% to 35%", and for several days in a row expressed dissatisfaction with the Japanese government regarding trade issues such as cars and rice. Regarding the next strategy of the Japanese government, if the implementation period of the suspended equal tariffs is about to come on the 9th, whether Japan considers requesting an extension, and whether the minister in charge of the tariff negotiations, Akasaka, should be held accountable?

Prime Minister Ishiba answered: "The negotiation is still ongoing, although that was the president's statement, I cannot comment on each one individually. The US and Japan are indeed negotiating seriously and continuously to achieve their respective national interests. In this process, both sides are making every effort to find common ground, and such negotiations will continue in the future. We believe that the negotiations are not a matter of one party benefiting unilaterally, but rather sincere consultations that concern national interests, and this is also true now."

Minister Akasaka has visited the United States almost every week, having made seven visits so far, and has participated in negotiations at various occasions. I highly appreciate his efforts, and he has devoted himself completely and fully to the negotiations. Personally, I think these activities are very meaningful.

American Deputy Treasury Secretary Falkenrath stated in an interview with American CNBC on July 2: "For countries where trade negotiations have not made progress, a certain level of tariff rate will be announced next week." He also said, "We will announce multiple agreements before the suspension period of the equal tariffs added on the 9th."

Falkenrath stated: "We have had several negotiations with Japan and have made smooth progress. The progress will be announced soon." However, he did not explicitly state whether Japan is included in the "countries where negotiations have made progress."

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836738056190988/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.