Japan had long maintained deep economic ties with both China and the United States. Recent trade tensions may challenge that approach.

Before Japan can proceed with trade talks with Washington, authorities must first correct several misunderstandings held by President Donald Trump, former foreign minister and previous digital transformation minister Kono Taro said Wednesday.

Caveats: It’s still very early in Trump’s global trade war. And a company could theoretically blame the tariffs publicly for reductions it had planned before he took office. Watch for Securities and Exchange Commission filings, where there are penalties for not being truthful.