Story perspectives

Japan Backs U.S. Tariffs Deal Amid Trade Challenges

10/4/2025

Summary

Akazawa Defends Tariffs

Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's chief trade negotiator, defended a U.S. tariffs deal, calling Trump a "tough negotiator".
The agreement sets exports to the U.S. at 15%, without lowering U.S. tariffs.
Japan plans to invest $550 billion in U.S. projects, despite criticism of Akazawa's trips.
Exports to the U.S. fell 14% in August, and Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party loses its lower-house majority.

Summary

Putin Strengthens India Ties

President Vladimir Putin will visit India December 4-6, his first trip since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022.
The visit aims to deepen India-Russia ties amid U.S. pressure on oil purchases from Russia, incurring a 50% tariff.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit India in November to prep for the summit.
Speculation persists about Modi-Trump meeting at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia from October 26-28 as U.S.-India trade talks resume.

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Akazawa Defends Tariffs

Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's chief trade negotiator, defended a U.S. tariffs deal, calling Trump a "tough negotiator".
The agreement sets exports to the U.S. at 15%, without lowering U.S. tariffs.
Japan plans to invest $550 billion in U.S. projects, despite criticism of Akazawa's trips.
Exports to the U.S. fell 14% in August, and Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party loses its lower-house majority.

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