International Analysis

Tokyo Walks Tightrope between Washington and Beijing

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Host: Albert Chiu The escalating trade war between the United States and China has left Japan in a tenuous position. Japan’s economy has already been hit by U.S. tariffs, even as it remains concerned about China’s increasingly bellicose actions in the South China Sea. Japan has responded by seeking to expand its defense ties to Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, while downplaying these actions to Beijing. At the same time, Japan and China have expanded their trade talks, including the possibility of China lifting trade restrictions on certain Japanese imports. Can Japan protect its economy and national security without alienating either Washington or Beijing? In this episode, we discuss Japan’s position in the trade war, its shifting defense ties in the region, and the status of Tokyo’s ongoing trade negotiations with Beijing. Our guests: Charles Wu - National Chengchi University Department of Diplomacy Professor and Chair Wen-Ti Sung - Atlantic Council Global China Hub Non-Resident Fellow