Abe, Trump agree on new framework for trade talks
PALM BEACH, Fla. — Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to create a new framework to discuss trade issues between Japan and the United States during their second-day talks in Palm Beach, Fla., on Wednesday.
However, the two leaders appeared to be divided over the way to intensify bilateral investment and trade. At a joint press conference after the second-day summit talks, Abe described the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal as “the best” for the two countries while Trump said he would prefer a bilateral deal.
Following their meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private estate in Palm Beach, on Tuesday, they held talks for one hour and 50 minutes there on Wednesday.
With economy and trade issues topping the agenda, the second-day talks were attended by Japanese and U.S. officials, including Toshimitsu Motegi, minister in charge of economic revitalization, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
Abe said at the press conference: “We agreed to start consultations for free, fair and reciprocal trade deals. We will work to realize economic growth of the free and open Indo-Pacific region based on fair rules.”
Motegi and Lighthizer will lead the work to arrange the new framework that will be placed under the Japan-U.S. Economic Dialogue scheme led by Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, who also serves as finance minister, and Pence.
Abe reiterated his call for the United States to rejoin the TPP, saying the multilateral trade deal is “the best for both Japan and the United States.”
However, Trump said, “The United States has massive deficits with Japan.”
“We don’t send so much products because we have trade barriers,” he added. “I much would prefer a bilateral deal.” The U.S. president expressed his intention not to return to the TPP unless it is renegotiated under terms advantageous to the United States.
Regarding a U.S. measure to restrict steel and aluminium imports, from which Japan has called for being exempted, the two leaders agreed to continue discussing the matter.
Abe sought U.S. understanding, saying: “Japan’s steel and aluminium do not have any negative impact on U.S. security. They are greatly contributing to industries and employment in the United States.”
N. Korea urged to take action
The two leaders also agreed to maintain the maximum level of pressure on North Korea and urge the country to take specific action toward denuclearization.
Trump said at the press conference, “We will not repeat the mistakes of previous administrations.”
Referring to Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, Trump also said: “We are going to do everything possible to have them brought back and bring them back to Japan. I gave you [Abe] that promise.”
Abe also vowed to increase efforts to realize the return of the abductees, saying, “If North Korea takes the right path, there could be a possible path to settle the unfortunate past and normalize diplomatic relations based on the Pyongyang Declaration signed between Japan and North Korea.”
While inter-Korean summit talks and U.S.-North Korea summit talks are scheduled to be held, Abe stressed, “This is not a case where Japan will be left behind.”
Gist of Japan-U.S. summit talks
■The two leaders agreed to start talks on a new framework for trade deals to be led by Toshimitsu Motegi, minister in charge of economic revitalization, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
■Abe described the TPP as best, while Trump insisted a bilateral trade deal is preferable.
■Talks will continue over exempting Japan from U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.
■The two leaders agreed to maintain maximum pressure on North Korea until its denuclearization, and urge it to take specific action.
■Trump vowed to make every possible effort to bring Japanese abductees back home.
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