AsianFin -- U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Japan’s $550 billion investment in the United States is essentially “our money,” suggesting the U.S. can use it as it sees fit, in remarks that sharply contrast with the Japanese government’s position.

Speaking to CNBC on August 5, Trump described the massive Japanese investment as funds under American control. His comments come after the U.S. and Japan announced a tariff agreement in July, under which Washington agreed to set a 15% tariff rate on Japanese imports. In return, Japan pledged to invest $550 billion in the U.S., with 90% of the investment’s returns allegedly flowing back to America. Tokyo is also expected to further open its domestic markets to U.S. companies.