Japan and Britain stress free trade in Tokyo talks

Britain and Japan stressed the importance of free trade in talks in Tokyo on Friday amid an escalating battle of tit-for-tat tariffs between the United States and other countries under President Donald Trump.

"It's crucial that they counter the increasing trade fragmentation that is damaging the global economy, and that they stand up for fair rules-based international trade," Britain's Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said.

"That is why the UK and Japan have agreed to enhance their economic security partnership. Their close relationship means that they can be important partners for each other on this. In fact, at this time they must be," Reynolds told reporters.

The comments followed Japan and Britain's first "2+2" talks between Reynolds and Japanese Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto, and the foreign ministers of the world number four and six economies, David Lammy and Takeshi Iwaya. Muto is arranging a trip to Washington during which he will reportedly demand an exemption from imminent US tariffs on steel and aluminium.