The U.S. and Japan flags fly together outside the White House in Washington April 27, 2015. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet with U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday as part of his eight day visit to the United States. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque - RTX1AGMU

‘Let’s talk’: Japan hopes low-key strategy averts U.S. trade flare-up

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Economic talks between the United States and Japan, tackling topics from persimmons and potatoes to energy and infrastructure, have helped keep Tokyo clear of protectionist moves such as those that recently hit Chinese solar panels and South Korean washers. Japan hopes that “let’s talk” approach – plus warm personal ties between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump – will keep friction in check. But officials and lawmakers say the outlook could change if the unpredictable U.S. leader turns his attention to Tokyo’s 7 trillion yen ($63.62 billion)trade surplus ahead of U.S. congressional elections in November. Also efforts to showcase the U.S.-Japan security alliance in the face of North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats will probably take precedence over trade when U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visits Japan from Tuesday, officials on both sides said.

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