Overview

• Chinese Premier Li Qiang has reached out to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, proposing collaboration to counter US tariffs, but Japan remains hesitant due to security concerns and strategic priorities.
• Japan recently launched formal trade negotiations with the United States, aiming to mitigate the economic impact of impending US tariffs on Japanese exports.
• China, Japan's largest trading partner, is viewed by Tokyo as a security risk, complicating Beijing's efforts to build a united front against US protectionism.
• Prime Minister Ishiba faces mounting domestic pressure ahead of a crucial upper house election in July, coinciding with the expiration of a US tariff pause.
• Experts suggest Tokyo is unlikely to turn to China even if US talks falter, given Japan's reliance on the United States as a vital ally and trading partner.