U.S. Ambassador Expects Moderate Deal with Japan

The U.S. Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, indicated that the deal over tariffs between the United States and the United Kingdom can work as a model for the U.S.-Japan bilateral negotiation in an interview of Yomiuri Shimbun. To maintain stability in Indo-Pacific region, Glass expected multi-lateral security frameworks to work, against speculation that the Trump administration will take distance from those groups for cooperation. 

Since he arrived Tokyo as new ambassador of Trump administration in April, it was the first interview of major Japanese media organization. At his arrival, he showed his optimistic view on U.S.-Japan tariff talks, based on the notion that Trump put highest priority on the issue. He also recognized difficult situation of Japan surrounded by Russia, China and North Korea, expecting closer U.S.-Japan relationship.

 

In the interview to Yomiuri, Glass touched on a possibility that U.S. may reduce tariffs on some goods, as seen in the deal with the U.K., which included cutting tariff on cars and dropped steel and aluminum from the list of imposing tariffs. “Now that we see what the U.K. has done, and the flexibility in some of those numbers, then you know, I think the invitation is open to be able to participate in something like that,” said Glass, as referring to U.S. expectation to minimize non-tariff barriers of Japan.

 

In the meantime, Glass hoped Japan to import more U.S. rice. Recognizing the price of rice has recently gone up, he suggested that more import of U.S. rice will help Japanese consumers. A few days after the interview, a Japanese major retailer, Aeon, announced at U.S. Embassy in Tokyo its decision to start selling rice from California, called Calrose, in its supermarkets all over Japan from June 6th.

 

Glass stressed necessity of close bilateral ties between the U.S. and Japan, considering regional instability brought by hegemonic moves by China. Quoting a review of the command and control frameworks of Japan’s self-defense forces and the U.S. forces in the Joe Biden’s administration, Glass indicated to advance the measures even in the Trump administration.

 

The ambassador explained that some multi-lateral frameworks, such as QUAD with Australia and India, and trilateral cooperation including South Korea or the Philippines, have importance, even though they are promoted by Biden administration. Following Trump’s remarks that Japan should contribute more to the bilateral security cooperation, Glass demanded Japan to increase defense spending, supposedly including for facility maintenance, personnel costs and weapons systems.

 

Glass emphasized his relationship with Japan. His eldest son has been living in Japan for thirteen years and his granddaughter was born in Japan. While Glass mentioned his commitment to cultivate friendship with Japan, he insisted his position to implement America First policy of President Trump.

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