China, US need to negotiate - Japan's Suga, Aso

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga, and Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso are hitting the wires, talking about the current tariff spat unfolding between the US and China.

Key highlights:

• Suga:

Suga commented that it was very important that the US and China engage in talks and meet at the negotiating table, stressing that international relationships are necessary for stable growth and development. Suga also stated that the Japanese government would be watching the negotiations carefully.

• Aso:

Fin Min Aso declared that he agrees with the US about China's theft of intellectual property, and supports measures to enforce IP laws, but Aso also noted that it is difficult to make progress in discussions with the US because the administration staff changes so frequently, and closed by saying that his ultimate goal is to support free trade.