Japan PM vows to protect national interests in tariff talks with U.S.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday that Japan will not sacrifice its national interests to conclude ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States, following the end of another round of ministerial-level talks.Ishiba told reporters the talks were "very positive and constructive" but there remain gaps between the two nations, adding that "maximum efforts" are needed from both sides to reach any deal.During the roughly two-hour meeting in Washington with U.S. officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Japan's top negotiator Ryosei Akazawa called for a review of the tarif…READ FULL ARTICLE