Japan Reiterates Concern over U.S. Steel, Aluminum Tariffs

Tokyo, June 4 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government reiterated its concerns on Monday over U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. "It is extremely regrettable that the situation has not improved, even though Japan has explained its concerns to the United States at various levels," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference. He emphasized that Japan will continue to seek an exemption from the tariffs, while working together with European nations and Canada. Suga said the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump maintains its campaign of maximum pressure on North Korea. Trump has said that the United States will not lift sanctions on North Korea until Pyongyang takes concrete actions to denuclearize, Suga said. Suga made the comments when asked about Friday's remarks by Trump that he does not want to use the term maximum pressure anymore. Japan will maintain its policies, which were worked out with the United States, and cooperate closely with Washington to draw concrete steps from North Korea on resolving issues, Suga said. He said Japan will not normalize diplomatic relations with or provide economic assistance to North Korea without a comprehensive solution to pending issues, such as Pyongyang's abductions of Japanese citizens and its nuclear and missile programs. END