Former Ambassador Fujisaki on Japan-U.S. Trade Talks

The transcript discusses the preference for bilateral over multilateral agreements by the White House, particularly in the context of US-Japan relations. It emphasizes the importance of fairness, reciprocity, and negotiation principles, highlighting the need for both countries to avoid taking each other for granted. The discussion also touches on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the potential impact of bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) on US participation in TPP. The aim is to bring the US back into TPP, considering its economic and strategic significance, although it is acknowledged that this may not happen soon.

What is the White House's preferred approach in international relations with Japan?

• Isolated

• Unilateral

• Multilateral

• Bilateral

Which principle is NOT mentioned as important in US-Japan negotiations?

• No economic growth

• No assumptions

• No over-politicization

• No surprises

What is Japan's ultimate goal regarding the TPP?

• To abandon the TPP

• To exclude the United States

• To bring the United States back into the TPP

• To form a new trade agreement

What is the potential consequence of a bilateral FTA agreement according to the transcript?

• It will dissolve the TPP

• It will have no impact on the TPP

• It will push the US away from the TPP

• It will strengthen the TPP

Why is the TPP considered important beyond economic reasons?

• It is a political and strategic partnership

• It is a cultural agreement

• It is a social welfare program

• It is a technological advancement