Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question about the presidential election in the United States. Mr. Donald J. Trump has been officially selected as the presidential candidate of the Republican Party at the opening of the party’s national convention. Although the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement was included in the party platform of 2012, it has been omitted from the party platform on this occasion. What is more, the platform also states that “significant trade agreements should not be rushed or undertaken in a Lame Duck Congress.” Can I ask for the thoughts of the Government concerning the Republican Party platform, including on the TPP?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government is watching the various developments in the United States presidential election campaign with the greatest interest. However, I would like to refrain from making any comment about individual matters. If I were to say anything further, it would be to add that in summit meetings held in November last year, the 12 leaders of the countries concerned, including the United States, confirmed their intention to seek to put the TPP into force at an early stage. I believe that President Obama is also aiming to have the TPP agreement passed by Congress by the end of the year. In any event, I believe that it is of the utmost importance for the countries concerned, including the United States, to take responsibility in gaining domestic support and advancing the necessary procedures, which is something that all leaders have already confirmed.

REPORTER: I have a related question. With regard to the TPP, I believe that the Government will want to expedite procedures concerning related legislation and approval, so can we assume that the Government is aiming to convene an extraordinary Diet session in the autumn from around mid-September?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Nothing has yet been decided with regard to this matter, but there is absolutely no change to the Government’s intention to take responsibility for ensuring the passage of TPP-related legislation.