Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged to safeguard Japan's national interests during upcoming tariff negotiations with the United States. Ishiba made this commitment during a televised debate at the Japan National Press Club, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the country's interests.

According to Philippines News Agency, the debate took place just one day before the official campaign period for the House of Councillors election begins on July 20. Ishiba, who leads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, stressed the significance of the talks, particularly in light of past electoral outcomes.

During the debate, Ishiba addressed concerns about the ruling coalition's potential loss of its Upper House majority. He stated, "We'll obviously take any results seriously and gravely." This sentiment follows the ruling bloc's loss of its majority in the House of Representatives last year, underscoring the political stakes in the upcoming election.