After the US and EU decided to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Japan took a cautious attitude and did not follow up immediately, but sought to achieve more independent development in the field of cutting-edge energy to avoid over-reliance on specific countries.
Reuters reported that the G7 leaders focused on the issue of “overcapacity” in their joint statement on June 14, and emphasized that they would not harm China’s interests or hinder its economic development in any way. But they firmly stated that they would continue to take measures to ensure that companies are not affected by unfair market competition, establish a fair competition environment, and formulate corresponding compensation strategies.
The US and the EU impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, and Japan considers carefully. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry believes that China and Japan have close economic and trade ties, and electric vehicles only account for 2% of Japan’s new car market. The domestic industry is not affected, and no drastic measures will be taken for the time being. Naoki Sonoda warned that the tax increase may trigger countermeasures and increase tensions.
Japan, which is highly dependent on China for batteries and power generation equipment, has warned China of the “overcapacity” problem in its green energy industry. Japan’s manufacturing industry is strengthening its strength in photovoltaic and offshore wind power generation to cope with competition from Chinese companies. At the same time, Japanese media analysis said that the EU’s tax increase measures may push Chinese automakers to accelerate their layout in Southeast Asia, posing a market challenge to Japanese auto brands in the region.
Here are a few suggestions when dealing with international trade disputes and tariff policies:
Japan should actively participate in international forums and multilateral meetings, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation to ease tensions caused by tariff policies and resolve trade disputes. At the same time, the Japanese government needs to support domestic industrial innovation and upgrading, especially in the fields of electric vehicles and new energy, to improve competitiveness to cope with external challenges. In addition, considering the closeness of Sino-Japanese economic and trade relations, Japan should deepen cooperation with China in the fields of green energy, electric vehicles and battery manufacturing, achieve mutual benefit and win-win results through technical exchanges and joint research and development, and abide by international rules.
The Japanese government must balance domestic and foreign policies, protect economic interests and maintain international friendship, and promote global development.
