Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties

On May 13, 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba attended a Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties at the Prime Minister’s Office.

In his opening remarks Prime Minister Ishiba said:

“Thank you very much for your daily guidance and encouragement. During the holiday period, I had the opportunity to visit Vietnam and the Philippines with the permission of the Diet. In Vietnam, I spent a significant amount of time holding talks with the General Secretary, the President, the Prime Minister, and the Chairman of National Assembly, respectively. In the Philippines, I spoke with President Marcos at quite considerable length. In these meetings, we engaged in in-depth discussions on various issues, including the strengthening of security cooperation and responses to U.S. tariff measures.

Around 1981, Japan accounted for 70% of the U.S. trade deficit; however, the United States now has its largest trade deficit with China, followed by Mexico and Vietnam. Then come Ireland, Germany, Taiwan, and Japan. We had extensive exchanges of views on this issue as well. Moreover, I shared opinions with representatives of Japanese companies that operate locally in Vietnam and the Philippines, and we had detailed conversations about their concerns and the responses they would prefer.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Philippines is the country where the greatest number of Japanese soldiers lost their lives, with the toll reaching as many as 500,000. After the war, military trials took place, and many were found guilty; nevertheless, President Quirino then granted amnesty to most of them. A memorial monument stands in Caliraya, which is more than 100 kilometers away from Manila, and I offered flowers at the monument, apparently for the first time as Prime Minister of Japan. His Majesty the Emperor Emeritus paid a visit there and laid flowers at the monument during his reign as Emperor – I believe that it was in 2016. I deeply realized that we need to understand such historical events well. Furthermore, this year marks the 50th (*) anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, which made me keenly aware that we must recognize these historical facts.

With regard to U.S. tariff measures, the second ministerial-level consultation was held on May 1, U.S. time. Minister Akazawa strongly urged the U.S. side to reconsider its series of tariff measures. In addition, progress was made toward reaching an agreement at the earliest possible time. Concrete discussions were also deepened on such topics as the expansion of bilateral trade, non-tariff measures, and cooperation in the area of economic security. I was informed that both sides agreed to hold intensive discussions at the working level going forward and coordinate the schedule with a view to the next ministerial-level consultation round in mid-May or later.

Throughout the country, we will carefully respond to concerns and inquiries about these tariffs from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small-scale business operators that are subject to their impact. We have already established a total of 1,000 special consultation desks nationwide. It goes without saying that we will provide consultation for them, and we have set up a system where as a matter of course, Ministers, State Ministers, and Parliamentary Vice-Ministers will also go to these locations, rather than waiting for these operators to come to us, to listen to various requests and concerns of theirs.

We just compiled a five-pillared emergency response package for the U.S. tariff measures at the end of last month, based on the proposals from the ruling parties as well. We will make every effort to provide support for leading medium enterprises and SMEs in accordance with their financing and employment conditions. At the same time, we will assist SMEs and agricultural, forestry, and fishery business operators that are working on initiatives such as improving productivity as well as companies that aim to diversify their business and open up new sales channels in response to changing market conditions. What matters is to convey these support measures in an easy-to-understand manner, so we will pay close attention to this point. I sincerely ask for your continued cooperation.

Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan has kicked off, attracting a large number of visitors every day. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your efforts, and I would appreciate your continued support. As National Day events take place each day, many dignitaries from various countries are visiting Japan. Since this serves as an extremely important diplomatic opportunity, the Government, on its part, intends to promote active participation of Ministers, State Ministers, and Parliamentary Vice-Ministers. Yesterday, I held an hour-long meeting with President of Guinea-Bissau, who was visiting Japan. The country is located on the west coast of Africa, with Senegal to its north and Guinea to its south. We would like to closely work together with these countries and facilitate communication. This morning I received a visit from Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and we exchanged views on various matters, including what global trade should be like in the future. The Government has been doing its utmost to tackle this difficult situation. Let me conclude my remarks by asking for the continued guidance and encouragement from the Diet members and leaders of the ruling parties. Thank you.”

*The Prime Minister said “30th,” but “50th” is correct.