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Volker Kauder, head Merkel’s conservative parliamentary group, said he was encouraged by the talks with the Japanese government and opposition representatives during his visit to Tokyo.
"Negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and Japan must be completed quickly, in view of the isolationist policy of US President Trump. Time for hesitation is over," said Kauder in his statement after the meetings in Japan.
Trump has disturbed countries such as Germany by talking about imposing import taxes. The group of 20 countries (G20) could not agree on the intention to keep global trade free and open at a meeting in Germany last month because of opposition from the US, global media wrote earlier.
"I got an impression that the Japanese side is now trying to quickly conclude an agreement after several unsuccessful years, but rather it will just be stalled at the talks," Kauder said. He noted that Abe stressed that this would serve as an important signal against the backdrop of growing protectionism.
He warned that China could try to impose its own free trade agenda if the United States departs from this role.
"There is a risk that China will try to shove in its ideas about free trade rules: the EU, Germany and Japan should not stand by and watch how this is happening, but rather make their standards a guide for world trade", said Kauder.
source: reuters.com
"Negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and Japan must be completed quickly, in view of the isolationist policy of US President Trump. Time for hesitation is over," said Kauder in his statement after the meetings in Japan.
Trump has disturbed countries such as Germany by talking about imposing import taxes. The group of 20 countries (G20) could not agree on the intention to keep global trade free and open at a meeting in Germany last month because of opposition from the US, global media wrote earlier.
"I got an impression that the Japanese side is now trying to quickly conclude an agreement after several unsuccessful years, but rather it will just be stalled at the talks," Kauder said. He noted that Abe stressed that this would serve as an important signal against the backdrop of growing protectionism.
He warned that China could try to impose its own free trade agenda if the United States departs from this role.
"There is a risk that China will try to shove in its ideas about free trade rules: the EU, Germany and Japan should not stand by and watch how this is happening, but rather make their standards a guide for world trade", said Kauder.
source: reuters.com