Japanese parties split over TPP

Japanese political parties are divided over possible participation by Japan in negotiations on a Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

On an NHK debate program aired on Sunday, the Democratic Party's policy chief, Seiji Maehara, referred to discussions under way within the governing party on whether to enter into TPP negotiations. He said the party will explain to the public both the merits and demerits of possible Japanese participation. He added that if Japan joins negotiations to make rules and a global framework and finds it contrary to its national interests, then it is only natural that Japan may withdraw from the talks.

The Democratic Party's coalition partner, the People's National Party, is opposed to Japan taking part in TPP negotiations. While noting this stand, the party's Secretary General Mikio Shimoji said it will make suggestions to try to retain jobs and industries.

The policy chief of the leading opposition Liberal Democratic Party, Toshimitsu Motegi, indicated that Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is hurrying to conclude the matter. Calling for balancing external trade talks and domestic measures, he suggested that the government should push for intensive farming instead of providing subsides to farmers.

The policy chief of Komei, Keiichi Ishii, acknowledged the importance of promoting free trade and vitalizing the economy, but he said he wonders if TPP is the only method for attaining that. He suggested that the government should offer more information to seek public understanding.
The policy chief of Your Party, Keiichiro Asao, said Japan should join the negotiations and assert its interests. He argued that agricultural measures should be discussed item by item.

The Communist Party's deputy policy chief, Ryo Kasai, warned that Japan's participation in TPP would reduce tariffs on rice imports to zero and Japan's self-reliance on food supplies would fall sharply. He said it would also deal a fatal blow to agricultural and fishery industries in the areas hit by the March disaster.

The policy chief of the Social Democratic Party, Tomoko Abe, took issue with a statement made earlier by Maehara that opponents of TPP are only scared of a ghost. She said the government has so far failed to offer sufficient information.

Sunrise Party official Takao Fujii also said the public has not learned the merits and demerits of the matter.

Sunday, October 23, 2011 14:57 +0900 (JST)