The Japanese are feeling ‘sad and betrayed’ at the US president’s treatment of a long-term ally, an observer says.

Japan was set to dispatch its chief tariff negotiator to the United States for an eighth round of ministerial-level talks but called it off after being forced into a waiting game by the White House.

Negotiations have stalled ahead of next week’s deadline, with some suggesting Japan misjudged the depth of President Trump’s frustration over Tokyo’s policies.