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The Straits Times (2 July 2025)

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on July 2 he was determined to protect his country’s national interests as trade negotiations with the US struggled and President Donald Trump threatened even higher tariff rates on the Asian ally.

“Japan is different from other countries as we are the largest investor in the United States, creating jobs,” Mr Ishiba said in a public debate with opposition party leaders.

“With our basic focus being on investment rather than tariffs, we’ll continue to protect our national interest while working to reduce the US trade deficit with Japan,” he said.

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