Abe Wants China in TPP, Japan Agri under Threat of Cheap Imports

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe welcomed the pan-Pacific agreement struck in the United States on Monday, which would liberalize trade in 40 percent of the world economy, though he said bringing China into the deal in future would increase its strategic significance.

In a nod to politically powerful farmers worried they will suffer from a flood of imports after the deal, Abe said he would set up a new headquarters to craft steps to mitigate the impact.

“I am aware many people are deeply concerned,” he said. The beautiful scenery of the countryside, home towns with traditional culture where people help each other, the national character we are proud of will continue to be protected. Our determination will not change at all,” said the conservative leader.