Japan keen to team up with ASEAN for free trade system

As tensions rise over high tariffs imposed by President Trump’s administration, Trade Minister Yoji Muto has signaled Japan’s commitment to safeguarding the free trade system during dialogue with Southeast Asian nations like ASEAN. During a Bangkok news conference, he emphasized the need to preserve a rules-based multilateral trade system as he engaged in constructive discussions with the U.S. Meanwhile, Muto attended the first ministerial Energy and Industry Dialogue meeting between Japan and Thailand that same day.