Japan has issued a strong message to Donald Trump if he takes back the White House, warning him not to make unilateral trade agreements with China.
The country’s plea comes amid heightened tensions as global economies wait to see how the U.S. and China will evolve under a new administration.
But Japanese officials voiced fears about any deal cut by Trump with China.
Officials said such a deal could have significant repercussions for international trade relations.
Japan also warns of being sidelined in economic policies, altering the future of global trade, particularly as they relate to Asian markets.
As MSN noted: “The relationship between the U.S. and Japan has traditionally been one of mutual strategic interests, particularly in the economic realm. Japan, which has long held its position as a key player in international trade, is now urging Trump to consider the wider implications of his negotiations with China.”
Japan’s warning is noteworthy due to Trump’s historically aggressive stance on China, especially during his presidency.
Trump has frequently criticized China’s trade practices and made it clear in his “America First” policy, which puts U.S. interests first.
Others have claimed that Japan’s public announcement may signal a major shift in diplomatic strategy.
It also reflects how Japanese political circles are becoming anxious about being excluded from critical discussions on trade and economics.
A Trump aide told Reuters that no recent meetings have occurred between Trump and Japanese officials.
As Reuters reported:
Asked in an interview with Fox News in July 2023 whether the U.S. should help defend Taiwan if it means going to war with China, Trump said:
“If I answer that question, it will put me in a very bad negotiating position. With that being said, Taiwan did take all of our chip business. We used to make our own chips. Now they’re made in Taiwan.”
Japan’s foreign ministry said it was “watching the U.S. presidential election with great interest.”
Ado Machida, a Tokyo-based businessman who served in Trump’s transition team in 2016, said Japanese officials were eager to connect with his former boss.
“If he is going to cut a deal with China, Japan needs to try and get ahead of the curve and understand its potential role to support its interests in both the U.S. and China,” said Machida.
The world now watches how the balance of power and economic self-interest will play out under a possible second Trump term.
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