US ambassador discusses Trump’s tariffs with Japanese premier

ANKARA

The new US ambassador to Japan discussed US President Donald Trump’s tariffs with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on Tuesday, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Ishiba and George Glass “exchanged views on current Japan-US relations, including US tariff measures,” a ministry statement said.

Glass, a real estate developer from the US state of Oregon, assumed his post as ambassador to Japan on Friday.

During their meeting, Ishiba said the “Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s diplomacy and security” and expressed hope to further strengthen ties, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Glass echoed the sentiment, saying the “Japan-US alliance is the most important alliance” and that he would cooperate to further strengthen bilateral relations, the ministry said.

Both sides agreed that Japan and the US must enhance their deterrence and response capabilities while minimizing the impact on local communities.

Ishiba on Monday said Trump “values” talks with Japan following Trump’s meeting last week with Japanese Economy Minister Akazawa Ryosei at the White House.

Ryosei was the first foreign trade negotiator hosted by Trump after the president announced a 90-day reprieve for all countries except China to negotiate tariff agreements with the US.

Although the talks did not result in a breakthrough, Ryosei said the US wants to reach a deal within the 90-day window and warned that Japan could face tariffs of up to 24% on its exports to the US if negotiations fail. For now, a 10% baseline tariff remains in effect.

On Tuesday, Ryosei said any tariff agreement with the US should serve Japan’s national interest.

“The final conclusion must be a package that does not cause any loss to our country,” Japanese public broadcaster NHK quoted him as saying.

Premier Ishiba also plans to visit Vietnam and the Philippines on a four-day tour beginning April 27 to enhance economic cooperation with Southeast Asian countries.

On Tuesday, Japanese media said Ishiba will also send a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping this week in hopes of shielding Japan from the impact of an escalating trade war between China and the US.

The letter will be delivered by Tetsuo Saito, the chief of the ruling party’s junior coalition partner Komeito, during his three-day visit to Beijing from Tuesday, where he is expected to meet the head of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party and other Chinese officials.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid