HOME > NATIONAL > Article

Text Size

small

medium

large


Japan May Discuss U.S. Defense Equipment Purchases in Tariff Talks

Japan May Discuss U.S. Defense Equipment Purchases in Tariff Talks

Economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa enters the prime minister's office before leaving for the United States on Thursday.
Economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa enters the prime minister's office before leaving for the United States on Thursday.

   Tokyo, May 29 (Jiji Press)--Japan's purchases of U.S. defense equipment may be discussed in the two countries' tariffs negotiations, Japanese economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa, the country's chief negotiator, suggested on Thursday.
   Akazawa was speaking to reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba before leaving for the United States to attend the fourth ministerial-session of the tariff negotiations .
   Asked whether security-related matters, including Japan's coverage of costs related to U.S. military bases in the Asian nation, will be on the agenda, Akazawa said it is "inappropriate" to include them in the negotiations, citing "different logics and yardsticks" between security policies and tariff and trade policies.
   He added, however, that Japan's purchases of U.S. defense equipment could be on the agenda, pointing out that the United States' trade balance with Japan could improve if such purchases are included.
   The minister said that U.S. reciprocal tariffs could cause "inconceivable damage" to the Japanese economy once the current pause on them expires on July 9. He expressed his readiness to strongly urge the United States to reconsider its tariffs in the upcoming session.

To read a full story, please click here to find out how to subscribe.

NATIONAL

HEADLINES

POLITICS
Japan's Komeito to Fact-Check Social Media Posts by Using AI from June
ECONOMY
Nippon Steel to Invest 868.7 B. Yen in Electric Furnaces with Japan Govt Support
SPORTS
MLB Announces Partnership with AUSL Women's Professional Softball League in US
OTHER
Western Japan City of Izumisano Aims to Launch Baby Hatch System in FY 2026

AFP-JIJI PRESS NEWS JOURNAL


Photos