Japan Unwilling to Make ‘Big Concessions’ to U.S. Ahead of Trade Talks

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced Monday that Japan will not make “big concessions” to the United States ahead of trade talks planned for April 17 in Washington.

• Ishiba also stated that he would not be putting retaliatory tariffs on imports from the U.S.

The 90-day pause instated by U.S. President Donald Trump for a “reciprocal” tariff rate on U.S. trading partners is expected to allow time for trade negotiations. Japan does not intend to rush through this phase of negotiations.

Strained: Japan has long been a core U.S. ally in the Pacific and one of America’s largest trading partners. But the relationship is facing growing strain amid regional tensions and America’s unpredictable leadership.

Looking to China: In late March, top officials from China, South Korea and Japan met to discuss a “comprehensive and high-level” trade alliance. Japan is gradually being pulled away from U.S. influence and drawn toward its Asian neighbors.

The Bible prophesies of a coming Asian power bloc that will see many of the U.S.’s historic Asian allies unite with China. This Asian alliance, headed by Russia and China, will include Japan. It will play a crucial role in a coming catastrophic global war.

Learn more: Read Russia and China in Prophecy.