「ＴＰＰ解散」 首相は交渉参加の旗を掲げよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 14, 2012)
Noda should hoist flag of TPP participation
「ＴＰＰ解散」　首相は交渉参加の旗を掲げよ（11月13日付・読売社説）

It is vital that Japan promote free trade and boost its economic growth. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda should decide that the nation will join negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade framework.
　自由貿易を推進し、日本の成長に弾みをつけることが重要だ。野田首相は環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への交渉参加を決断すべきである。

At the House of Representatives Budget Committee, the prime minister again indicated that joining talks on the U.S.-led TPP would be among the Democratic Party of Japan's policy pledges for the next lower house election. He said discussions on the matter would be held within the party.
　首相が衆院予算委員会で、米国が主導しているＴＰＰについて、民主党の次期衆院選政権公約（マニフェスト）に盛り込む考えを改めて示し、「党内で議論を進めていく」と述べた。

A year has passed since Noda announced Japan would enter talks with nations concerned with an eye to eventually taking a seat at TPP negotiations. It is problematic that he has kept delaying a decision on TPP participation and failed to take necessary steps for joining the trade pact, such as strengthening the international competitiveness of the agriculture sector to brace it for further market liberalization.
　首相が「ＴＰＰ交渉参加に向けて関係国との協議に入る」と表明してから１年が過ぎた。一段の市場開放に備えた農業の国際競争力強化策などの環境整備もしないまま、参加の決断を先送りしてきたのは問題である。

Now, more than ever, it would be significant to clearly show a resolve to accelerate Japan's economic growth by harnessing the dynamism of other parts of Asia through joining the TPP.
　ただ、ここに来て、ＴＰＰ参加によってアジアの活力を取り込み、日本の成長加速を目指す姿勢を鮮明にする意味は大きい。

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Key election issue

The TPP issue will be a hot topic in the lower house election likely to take place at the year-end or early next year. Detailed discussions should be held on the issue.
　年末から年始の可能性がある次期衆院選はＴＰＰが争点となろう。活発な論議が求められる。

Some DPJ members remain firmly opposed to signing on to the TPP. Maneuvering to block Noda from dissolving the lower house after making the TPP a key campaign issue has become increasingly active.
　民主党内には依然、反対論が強く、首相の「ＴＰＰ解散」を阻止する動きも活発化している。

However, nothing will be initiated unless Japan sits at the negotiation table. We hope Noda will not wilt in the face of this opposition and exerts strong leadership.
　だが、まずは交渉のテーブルに着かないと物事は始まらない。首相は腰砕けにならず、指導力を発揮してもらいたい。

The Liberal Democratic Party, on the other hand, maintains a cautious stance. It opposes TPP participation if it is premised on eliminating all tariffs.
　一方、自民党は「関税撤廃を前提としたＴＰＰ参加に反対」という慎重な構えを崩していない。

But if the LDP is serious about regaining power, it will need to map out concrete steps regarding how Japan as a trading nation can expand trade and invigorate its economy.
　しかし、自民党が政権奪還を目指すなら、通商国家・日本がいかに貿易を拡大し、経済を活性化させるか、具体的な道筋を示すことが不可欠である。

Some LDP members support TPP participation. The party should hold exhaustive discussions and hammer out a convincing policy course.
　自民党内には、ＴＰＰ参加への賛成論も少なくない。党内論議を尽くし、説得力のある政策を打ち出さねばならない。

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A security issue, too

Of concern to us is that Japan could be left completely behind while it dithers over making a decision.
　懸念されるのは、日本が決断をもたついている間に、出遅れが決定的になる事態である。

It already has been decided that Canada and Mexico would join TPP negotiations. As U.S. President Barack Obama, a vocal advocate of the TPP, has recently been reelected, negotiations involving 11 nations will likely accelerate through next year.
　すでにカナダとメキシコの参加が決まり、ＴＰＰを推進してきたオバマ米大統領が再選された結果、来年にかけて、１１か国の交渉は加速する可能性が大きい。

Under the current circumstances, negotiations could proceed without Japan's participation on issues including the elimination or lowering of tariffs and formulation of trade and investment rules. The fate of Japan's national interests will hinge on whether the nation is engaged in these rule-making processes and can reflect its opinions.
　このままでは関税撤廃・引き下げや貿易・投資ルール作りを巡り、日本抜きで交渉が進みかねない。日本がルール作りなどに関与し、意見を反映できるかどうかで、国益が左右されるだろう。

Participation in the TPP is also important in terms of national security. It will lead to stronger Japan-U.S. relations, and also could help restrain the behavior of China, with which the nation has been at odds over the Senkaku Islands.
　ＴＰＰ参加は安全保障上も重要だ。日米関係の強化につながり、尖閣諸島を巡って対立する中国への牽制(けんせい)効果も期待できる。

In parallel with the TPP, Japan should strive to seal a free trade agreement with China and South Korea and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in East Asia, among others. It is time to pursue wise, robust trade strategies.
　ＴＰＰとともに、日中韓自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）や東アジア包括的経済連携（ＲＣＥＰ）などにも並行的に取り組み、したたかな戦略を推進する必要がある。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 13, 2012)
（2012年11月13日01時32分 読売新聞）