Reference Message Network reported on April 27 that the "Nikkei Asian Review" published an article titled "Japan Focuses on Expanding Free Trade Circles Excluding the United States" on April 26. The content is as follows: While advancing tariff negotiations with the Trump administration, the Japanese government is striving to expand its free trade circle. Specifically, it aims to strengthen cooperation with countries and regions other than the United States based on the framework of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) led by Japan. Japan mainly cooperates with the UK and Southeast Asia to consolidate the foundation for economic growth. After US President Trump announced details of the "reciprocal tariffs" on February 2, Japan actively adopted a dual-track trade strategy. While urging the US to revoke tariffs, Japan focused on building partnerships with like-minded allies. This was due to concerns that negotiations with the US might be prolonged. Japanese Prime Minister Seiko Noda will visit Vietnam and the Philippines from April 27 to 30. Japan has long supported the development of Southeast Asia, and this visit aims to confirm with relevant countries that strengthening the free trade system is essential for promoting economic development. Vietnam has joined the CPTPP and signed an economic partnership agreement with Japan. The US plans to impose a 46% "reciprocal tariff" on Vietnam, putting the latter in a difficult situation. Japan also has an economic partnership agreement with the Philippines. Prime Minister Noda's visit to Southeast Asian countries will demonstrate Japan's commitment to maintaining the stability of the free trade system and promoting regional economic growth. A close aide to Prime Minister Noda revealed that “there was initially a plan to visit Europe during the May Day holiday, but the prime minister ultimately chose to visit Southeast Asia,” explaining that “under the current international situation, it is necessary to consolidate relations with neighboring countries.” Prime Minister Noda also urged other countries to advance cooperation during phone consultations. On April 10, he spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on April 14 with Singaporean Prime Minister Heng Chee How, and on April 16 held telephone consultations separately with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and French President Emmanuel Macron to exchange opinions on US tariff measures. Three out of the four countries except France are members of the CPTPP. The UK will join in December 2024. Given the similar political systems and industrial structures between Japan and the UK, the latter is regarded as a "quasi-ally," with deepening economic and security cooperation. Japan's support was crucial for the UK's entry into the CPTPP. The Japanese government places the most emphasis on the CPTPP among various free trade frameworks. This is because the CPTPP not only eliminates or reduces tariffs but also encompasses a package of agreements covering service trade liberalization, intellectual property, investment, etc. The population of CPTPP member countries is 580 million, accounting for 15% of the world's GDP. Japan has consistently promoted the expansion of the CPTPP scale. In 2013, Japan joined the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. At that time, the US proposed favorable conditions to Southeast Asian countries involved in the negotiations. Japan pointed out differences in national positions and mediated between them. During Trump's first term, the US withdrew from the TPP in 2017. Japan played a leading role in the remaining 11-nation negotiations. The CPTPP officially came into effect in 2018, and currently has 12 member countries. The CPTPP is currently discussing the establishment of an administrative office to oversee the operation mechanism and review the qualifications of countries wishing to join. Previously, this work was handled by the rotating chair country. During the party leader discussion on the 23rd, Constitutional Democratic Party representative Yoshihide Suga proposed that Japan should take charge of the administrative office, and Seiko Noda responded that they would "seriously consider" it. There are calls for the EU to join the CPTPP. Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Kenji Saijo, suggested in an interview: "Japan should take the lead in promoting deeper cooperation between the CPTPP and the EU and explore the possibility of inviting the EU to join this framework." Currently, China, Ecuador, Uruguay, Ukraine, and Indonesia have applied to join the CPTPP. The CPTPP needs to attract more partners while maintaining high-standard trade rules. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun) Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7497966762567270947/ Disclaimer: The article represents the views of the author alone. Please express your opinion by clicking the "like/dislike" buttons below.