China is urging Japan to join forces in pushing back against U.S. tariffs, even as Tokyo and Washington move forward with trade negotiations. According to Japan’s Kyodo News, Chinese Premier Li Qiang sent a letter to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba calling for a united front against protectionism. The message, delivered via China’s embassy, follows Beijing’s warning that it will respond firmly to any country that cuts deals with the U.S. at its expense.
As @POTUS and Prime Minister @shigeruishiba declared at the @WhiteHouse in February, the new golden age of U.S.-Japan relations is underway. Looking forward to working with the prime minister and his government to strengthen the 🇺🇸🇯🇵partnership, our economies, and the security of… pic.twitter.com/t6CZM7zybG
— ジョージ・グラス駐日米国大使 (@USAmbJapan) April 22, 2025
Japan, recently hit by U.S. tariffs, has entered negotiations with Washington to ease tensions. U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass struck a positive tone, calling the current U.S.-Japan relationship a “golden age” and saying he’s “very optimistic” about ongoing talks. Tokyo is reportedly considering tariff-free rice imports from the U.S. as part of the deal. Meanwhile, Beijing and Tokyo remain at odds over broader trade and territorial issues, complicating regional dynamics.
