The letter was delivered to the Japanese government through the Chinese embassy in Tokyo, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Tuesday.
In the letter, the Chinese side was quoted as stating that “protectionism should be fought together.” According to the information based on unnamed Japanese officials, Beijing stated that the unilateral trade policies of the US threaten regional economic stability and therefore expects stronger solidarity from Japan. The foreign ministries of both countries have not yet made an official statement on the issue.
US tariffs put Asian economies under pressure
The wide-ranging tariffs imposed by US President Trump this month are directly affecting many countries, including Japan. While the negative effects of the sanctions, especially against China, on the global economy have raised concerns, the Chinese government has warned other countries to be careful in their trade agreements with the US. China has emphasized that such agreements could work against its economy.
Japan, despite being one of Washington's closest allies, is among the countries directly affected by the Trump administration's tariffs. Although Tokyo has begun bilateral negotiations with the US, China's call for solidarity complicates Japan's position. This development puts the prospect of economic cooperation and regional solidarity in Asia back on the agenda.
IMF: China's growth forecast lowered
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised down its growth expectations for China's economy in its World Economic Outlook report published on Tuesday. The IMF decreased China's growth forecast from 4.6% to 4.0% for 2025 and from 4.5% to 4.0% for 2026. These rates fall short of the Chinese government's official growth targets. The IMF's revision clearly reveals the impact of trade wars on the Chinese economy.
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