Meanwhile, heated discussions also are taking place among US experts. Ezra Vogel, a social sciences professor at Harvard University, has published dozens of books on Japan, China, and American-East Asian relations. He says the US government's tariff plan reflects domestic political concerns.

PROFESSOR EZRA F. VOGEL HARVARD UNIVERSITY "I think it's actually a natural result of competition. In the 1980s, the US had competition with Japan. Japan was very competitive with rapid economic growth, which the US feared. Now the US is in an unusual time, and Americans are less confident. That's why the Americans are so sensitive on the development of other countries. It's practical and natural. Donald Trump's major concern is domestic politics -- that is, who votes for him. He doesn't know much about the international situation. He doesn't have enough support nationwide. I think that's his original thought and first priority."