Japan Views China as Ally in Trump Trade Fight

Prime Minister Abe is promoting a rapprochement with Beijing that reflects Tokyo’s need for allies in upholding the postwar free-trading system

TOKYO—President Donald Trump’s tough line on trade with China has finally given Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe something to agree with Beijing about.

After years of skirmishing with China over territory and security, Mr. Abe is promoting a rapprochement that reflects Tokyo’s need for allies in upholding the postwar free-trading system. It’s an example of how Mr. Trump’s “America first” policy of curbing imports he says threaten the U.S. are reshaping relations around the globe.

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