Japan worries that Trump's tariff policy will prompt countries to turn to China

According to Crypto.News, on April 30, the policy head of Japan's ruling party warned that U.S. President Trump's tariff policy could force Asian countries closer to China and undermine regional security and stability. He called for strengthened defense cooperation between the U.S. and Japan.

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party policy chief, Itsunori Onodera, stated at an event in Washington on Monday: "Many Asian countries originally aligned with the U.S. and Japan on their stance towards China, but now feel very uneasy in the face of Trump's tariff policy." He added, "In the future, more countries may distance themselves from the U.S. and turn to China — this is not the outcome Japan wants to see."

Currently, multiple countries are seeking to negotiate with the U.S. regarding the reciprocal tariff policy implemented by the Trump administration. This policy could not only bring severe impacts to the Asian economy but also shake regional security. Meanwhile, Tokyo is preparing to engage in the second round of trade negotiations with the U.S. later this week.

Onodera, who previously served as Japan's Defense Minister, emphasized the necessity of strengthening U.S.-Japan defense cooperation in the context of increasing threats, including from China. Reports indicate that Trump pressured Japan to bear more defense costs during the first round of trade negotiations earlier this month. He has long criticized the U.S.-Japan alliance as "unequal," believing that the U.S. must defend Japan while not receiving corresponding benefits in return.

Onodera stated that the U.S. and Japan could explore the possibility of joint production and export of defense equipment, especially in terms of ammunition, mentioning that recent policy adjustments in Japan have opened up space for this. When asked whether Japan should further increase its defense support for the U.S., he refrained from commenting.

Currently, Japanese automobiles, steel, and aluminum products are facing a 25% tariff, in addition to a 10% base tariff (previously 24%, temporarily reduced). Japan's chief trade negotiator with the U.S., Ryo Akasaka, is set to engage in the second round of consultations with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Basset and other officials this week.

Onodera stated, "Given the current sensitive security environment, I believe Japan should resolve the tariff issue with the U.S. as soon as possible in a win-win manner and play its due role in maintaining regional security." Attention needed! $TRUMP #内容挖矿