Fresh Take
U.S. Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, Holds First Press Conference
Chinese Foreign Minister comments on the recent remarks made by the newly appointed American Ambassador to Japan, suggesting a confrontational approach towards China.
Tokyo, Japan - On April 18, 2025, fresh-faced US Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, touched down at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, ready to take on his new role. During a fiery press conference, Glass didn't hold back, sharing his thoughts on tariffs, regional geopolitics, and China.
Busting Tariffs and Finding Common Ground
Showing "extreme optimism," Glass believed a tariff deal between Japan and the US was within reach. He stressed the need to find agreement, claiming this as his top priority in bilateral talks.
Countering China's Economic and Military Moves
The new ambassador emphasized the necessity of deepening ties with Japan to combat China's economic and military advancements. Glass warned against China's "predatory habits," particularly in areas such as lending and trade circumvention.
Surmounting Geopolitical Challenges
Glass couldn't ignore Japan's precarious geopolitical position, sandwiched between Russia, China, and North Korea. He emphasized the significance of close cooperation in dealing with the challenges these nations pose on security and economic fronts.
Focus on Security, Economy, and Friendship
With a strong focus on security, economy, and bonding, Glass pledged that the US and Japan would collaborate to address their shared issues. He also hinted at plans to persuade Japan to beef up its defense spending and enhance access for U.S. products in Japan's market.
[Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]]
- The arrived U.S. Ambassador to Japan, George Glass, discussed his priorities during a press conference in Tokyo, touching upon topics like tariffs, regional geopolitics, and China.
- As a key point of his bilateral talks, Ambassador Glass expressed optimism about reaching a tariff deal with Japan and emphasized finding common ground.
- In light of China's economic and military advancements, the new ambassador highlighted the importance of deepening ties with Japan to counter China's predatory habits.
- In addition to focusing on security and economic cooperation, George Glass hinted at plans to persuade Japan to increase defense spending and improve access for U.S. products in the Japanese market, addressing the geopolitical challenges faced by Japan, particularly from countries such as Russia, China, and North Korea.
