Japan Juggles U.S. Ties, China Trade Amid Tariffs

The United States-Japan alliance coexists with Japan-China trade relations as Trump increases his tariff negotiations. A Japanese trade negotiator traveled to Washington D.C. while a delegation representing Japan-China Friendship met with Beijing officials. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba wrote to Xi Jinping about tariffs and bilateral relations which demonstrates Japan’s dual diplomatic approach. Japan maintains economic dependence on China despite past tensions between the two nations according to Matthew Goodman of the Council on Foreign Relations. The United States provides security guarantees to Japan which prevents the country from moving closer to Beijing. Japan maintains economic relations with both powers through diplomatic efforts to protect its economy while maintaining its strategic alliance during the current turbulent trade environment.