Ishiba Must Not Allow Prolonged Japan-US Trade Negotiations

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As Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba flails and Japanese diplomacy deteriorates, we cannot help but feel disheartened.

Ishiba managed to meet with United States President Donald Trump for about 30 minutes in Kananaskis, western Canada, host site of the 2025 Group of Seven Summit. However, their failure to reach an agreement on tariffs on the sidelines of the G7 was disappointing. At the same time, it was hardly unexpected.

There is one issue that should not be overlooked but went unmentioned. Didn't the two leaders discuss the Middle East crisis and the fierce ongoing fighting between Israel and Iran?

A Major Concern for Japan

Japan relies on the Middle East for over 90% of its crude oil. Also, many tankers bound for Japan sail through the Persian Gulf. Therefore, the conflict threatens to disrupt oil shipment routes. For Japan, responding to the situation in the Middle East should be a major issue on a par with tariff negotiations.

The summit discussions clearly fell short. After all, why would you meet with the president of your ally and not discuss the Middle East?

*G7 working session on the global economy. (©Canada G7 website)*

For the Prime Minister not to disclose what was actually discussed would also be strange. Japan could be viewed as sidelined in the Middle East situation. Either way, hasn't the Prime Minister demonstrated a lack of resolve in shouldering responsibility for the nation's destiny?

Tariff Negotiations No Longer Important?

Ishiba did comment on the failure to reach an agreement in the tariff negotiations, however. "We are exploring the possibility of reaching an agreement in line with the national interest," said the Prime Minister.

Ishiba is right not to be so eager to achieve results that he makes easy concessions on issues vital to Japan. Poor outcomes on issues such as US tariffs on Japanese automobiles could undermine the national interest.

It was already apparent that only the two leaders would be able to break the deadlock in negotiations. Minister of State for Economic Revitalization Ryosei Akazawa has already participated in a total of six Cabinet-level meetings with his US counterparts. However, they failed to reach an agreement. So, why is there no target date for when an agreement will be reached, even after the Ishiba-Trump meeting?

There is also concern that the Trump administration's emphasis on negotiations with China may dampen momentum for an agreement with Japan. Initially, the administration said Japan-US negotiations were its top priority.

Managing Japan's National Interests

We should not let this situation prolong the Japan-US trade negotiations. Moreover, we cannot allow the negative impact of Trump's tariffs on the Japanese economy to spread.

The US administration's high tariff policy approach is fluid. Trump has declared that there may be further increases in tariffs on motor vehicles. However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated the American side may extend the current reciprocal tariffs suspension.

What we need from the Ishiba administration is a strategic and proactive approach to pursuing national interests. It cannot allow Japan to be constantly at the mercy of the US side. Likewise, there is no need to be passive or to think that the outcome of any agreement depends on Trump.

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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