Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TOKYO, July 1 (Xinhua) — Japan has no intention of sacrificing its agricultural sector in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent demand to increase imports of American rice, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday.
“We do not intend to make compromises that could harm Japanese agriculture in future negotiations,” Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference, according to the Nikkei newspaper.
He made the remarks after Trump said on social media that Japan was facing a serious rice shortage but was refusing to accept American rice. The US president’s post is seen as an attempt to pressure Japan to import more rice amid ongoing Japan-US tariff talks.
Japan currently faces 25 percent tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, as well as 50 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum, imposed by the United States. Despite previous rounds of ministerial-level talks, little progress has been made.
Yoshimasa Hayashi stressed that Japan will continue “sincere and constructive talks” with the United States to reach an agreement that benefits both sides. –0–