US President Donald Trump’s tariffs could push Asian nations closer to China and destabilize regional security, Japan’s ruling party policy chief warned, calling for stronger defense ties between Washington and Tokyo.

When Tokyo's top trade negotiator met U.S. President Donald Trump for tariff talks at the White House earlier this month, he presented him with a gold-coloured piggy bank.

Trump hit Japan with 24% tariffs on its exports to the U.S. and ASEAN nations also have been targeted, although, like most of the levies, they were paused until July to allow for negotiations. A 10% universal rate remains in place, as does a 25% duty on cars, a mainstay of Japan's export-heavy economy.