Transcript: Top Japan currency diplomat speaks with Nikkei

Senior official stresses free, rules-based trade amid new U.S. plans for China tariffs

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Masato Kanda, Japan's vice finance minister for international affairs, expressed concern over economic fragmentation. (Photo by Tokuyuki Matsubuchi)

YOHEI HIROSE, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- As the U.S. prepares fresh tariffs on Chinese products, Japan's top currency diplomat voiced concern about economic fragmentation "for geopolitical reasons" ahead of a meeting of senior Group of Seven finance officials this week.

In his interview with Nikkei, Masato Kanda, vice finance minister for international affairs, also touched on economic reform in Japan amid the weakening yen, as well as a proposal to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, a move that he stressed would need to "rely on international law."

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