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.

Imports of crude oil into China surged in March and have continued to accelerate in April, according to analysts, as the country replenishes stocks despite expectations a weaker global economy will reduce demand.