In a significant move to counter increasing trade pressures from the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea have decided to unite against rising tariffs imposed by the US. These three major Asian economies held their first economic discussions in five years,

The strength of these alliances depends on whether Trump views Tokyo and Seoul as bulwarks against China’s rise or vassals that can be extorted for financial gain.

China, Japan and South Korea agreed to jointly respond to U.S. tariffs, a social media account affiliated with Chinese state media said on Monday, an assertion Seoul called "somewhat exaggerated", while Tokyo said there was no such discussion.