Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Wednesday met with a delegation from Japan's Komeito Party, led by its leader Tetsuo Saito, in Beijing.
Wang, who is also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said China and Japan should jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, adhere to their promises, build a correct understanding, promote win-win cooperation, and join hands to meet challenges.
The ruling parties of the two countries should actively play a leading political role in building China-Japan relations that meet the requirements of the new era, said Wang, noting that the National Committee of the CPPCC is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with relevant Japanese institutions.
Saito said the Komeito Party has long adhered to and carried forward the spirit of friendship between Japan and China, and is willing to promote the implementation of the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries through dialogue and exchanges between the ruling parties.
The Komeito Party stands ready to improve the public opinion foundation of bilateral relations, promote exchanges in business, tourism, localities, youth and other fields, and enable the people of both countries to enjoy the fruits of the improvement and development of Japan-China ties, Saito added.
China's top political advisor meets delegation from Japan's Komeito Party
China's top political advisor meets delegation from Japan's Komeito Party
China's top political advisor meets delegation from Japan's Komeito Party
Mounting uncertainty over the U.S. tariff policies under President Donald Trump's administration is fueling distress among the farmers of Iowa state, a U.S. state long regarded as the "granary and breadbasket of America," and disrupting the agricultural sector, particularly its soybean industry.
Iowa's agricultural sector is heavily export-dependent, and the U.S. abuse of tariffs has left the state's farmers uncertain about how to plan for the future amid sudden changes in policy direction.
"It has been really difficult, especially with the stress on the market since the announcement of the tariffs. Any unsold soybeans that we have now will sell at a loss. It's what does the next three years look like in this very uncertain environment with different tariff ideas every day, every week. Like how do we plan as a business for that," said farmer Corey Goodhue.
The uncertainty has pushed some farmers to shift to alternative crops like corn, which currently faces fewer trade obstacles. But the switch comes at a cost. Prices for fuel, fertilizer, and other inputs have surged under the broader tariff regime.
Grant Kimberley, a large-scale farm operator and senior director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association, said costs are rising across the board.
"We don't ever like to see food and agriculture used as a weapon in a trade disagreement because it doesn’t do either country any good," he said.
Data from agricultural equipment manufacturers showed the cost of machinery in the United States rose 18 percent year on year in spring 2025.
The ripple effects of falling farm income are already being felt in the wider community.
"So I think the tariffs have a trickle-down effect. As for the commodity, if the farmers don't make money, then no one else benefits. John Deere ( the world's leading tractor maker) lays off employees, and this situation just works its way through the community. So small businesses are really struggling with it," said Goodhue.
Policy analysts have warned that the longer-term economic damage could extend well beyond the farm belt.
"At this point of time, it has not yet begun to bite because people have already had inventories of these goods at the lower tariff rates. But soon, at some point of time, and it will be soon that the impact will be felt at grocery store counters. We will see areas where the U.S. was very competitive losing its competitiveness, and with other suppliers taking their position," said Sourabh Gupta, senior Asia-Pacific policy specialist at the Institute for China-America Studies.
US tariff policy turmoil threatens Iowa's farmers, disrupting exports
