Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-06-06 12:47Group 1 - Japan's trade negotiations with the US are currently in disarray, with key US officials unable to reach a consensus, leaving Japan's negotiating team confused about US demands [1][3] - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba initially demanded a complete removal of the 25% tariff on automobiles but has now proposed a phased reduction, starting with a decrease to 15% in the first year and 10% in the second year, in exchange for increased access for US agricultural products [3][4] - The Japanese automotive industry, which constitutes 8.3% of Japan's GDP and supports 7 million jobs, is facing severe challenges due to tariffs, with Toyota reporting losses of 180 billion yen (approximately 90 billion RMB) [5][4] Group 2 - Japan's military reliance on the US is significant, with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces depending on US satellite systems for missile warning and purchasing primarily American military equipment [7][4] - The US maintains over 50 military bases in Japan, housing 50,000 troops, with Japan covering 75% of the costs, effectively limiting Japan's military autonomy [7][4] - Japan holds $1.13 trillion in US Treasury bonds, which, while appearing to be a position of strength, actually constrains Japan's financial options and exposes it to risks associated with US debt fluctuations [7]