China has reportedly called on Japan to form a united front against US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, but analysts say that is unlikely given Tokyo’s strategic calculus – one that prioritises its security alliance with Washington over economic alignment with Beijing.
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Citing multiple Japanese government sources, news agency Kyodo News reported on Tuesday that Chinese Premier Li Qiang had written to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to suggest an alliance to “fight protectionism together”.
Beijing presumably hopes that an alliance of two of the world’s largest economies stands a better chance of convincing Trump to change course from the 145 per cent tariffs he has imposed on Chinese imports into the US.
Japan is already facing a 25 per cent tariff on all vehicles and auto parts exports to the US. It also has to contend with a proposed 24 per cent levy on other goods, though those tariffs have been paused for 90 days.
Japanese officials are pushing for exemptions but fear the auto tariffs, which would be devastating to domestic producers, could remain unless concessions are made on US imports of cars, rice and other products.
Despite the risks facing Tokyo, analysts say Beijing’s overture is not only unrealistic, but possibly designed to undermine Japan’s relationship with the US.
