TPP Discussion Begins

Discussion over Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12 nations free trade framework led by United States and Japan, started in House of Representatives on Tuesday. The opposite parties have been frustrated with secrecy held by Japanese government and require Shinzo Abe administration to reveal how the negotiation was going on. The bureaucrats protested to the demand with firm attitude of concealing the process of negotiation, which would closely affect people’s life.

Abe administration submitted a bill for TPP approval and eleven related bills for revising existing laws, which included Copyrights Law, Patent Law or Anti-trust Law. “TPP produces a market with 800 million of population and generate 40% of world economy. It will be a basis for Japan to overcome demographic decline and mid- or long-term growth,” told Abe in the plenary meeting of the House. He insisted that TPP would contribute to national interest of Japan.

The opposite parties do not think so. Even though they do not oppose TPP itself, Democratic Party accuses Abe administration that the substance of the agreement violates a resolution in the Diet, which demanded TPP agreement not to damage domestic farmers for rice, wheat, beef, pork, dairy products or sugar. “We will prove how Abe administration has damaged national interest and threatened people’s life,” said Chairwoman of Policy Council of DP, Shiori Yamao.

Liberal Democratic Party was firmly opposing TPP in the election campaign of House of Representatives in 2012. The opposite parties also criticize LDP of its change of policy. Abe defends himself that he reconfirmed United States President Barack Obama about TPP agreement not meaning total removal of tariffs. However, TPP abolishes tariffs on some important products the Diet resolution listed.

Secret process of the negotiation is also a target of the opposites. With request from DP, LDP submitted a document on minister-level meeting between Japan and U.S., which records were entirely painted black except the title. The document made no sense, reminding of despotic regime. Disclosure is a basis for thorough review on foreign policy crucial for the people.

TPP should be understood as a free trade framework countering economic advance of China. But, it is questioned that Abe administration has been trying to promote the negotiation in a way of deceiving Japanese public. To prove fairness of the agreement, Abe has to open information about the negotiation and present accurate calculation on the impact of TPP on Japanese farmers.