【日曜にちよう討論とうろん】与野党よやとう党首とうしゅ 米べい関税かんぜい措置そち対応たいおうなど意見いけん交かわす

In preparation for the House of Councillors election to be held on the 20th of this month, the leaders of ten ruling and opposition parties exchanged views on Japan-U.S. relations, including how to respond to U.S. tariff measures, during NHKs Sunday Debate.

LDP Prime Minister Ishiba, the president of the Liberal Democratic Party, said, Even with allied nations, we must say what needs to be said.

We are the worlds largest investor and job creator in America, and we are different from other countries.

They are energetically engaged in tough negotiations for the sake of the national interest, and just yesterday Minister for Economic Revitalization Akazawa and Secretary of Commerce Latnick had discussions.

Its only natural that it will take time and be tough, but I wont compromise.

He stated, There has not been a specific request regarding defense spending, and we will make decisions based on our own judgment.

Representative Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party said, If discussions are held between the leaders, there may be a chance to break the deadlock. Even a phone call is fine, so I hope Prime Minister Ishiba will proceed with talks with President Trump.

I want you to negotiate so that the tariff is at least reduced to 10%, and the talks go into overtime.

The United States is trying to use tariffs as the source of funding for its major tax cuts, and we must proceed with negotiations on the premise that it poses too much risk as a trading partner.

Ishin Party leader Yoshimura of Nippon Ishin no Kai said, There is no doubt that the United States is an important trading partner, but it is time to change the way we rely too much on a single country for trade.

Japan is taking the lead in creating an economic zone for free trade, and now is the time to make efforts to increase trade with countries that share our values and to use this opportunity to expand our trading partners.

Komeito Representative Saito of the Komeito Party said, There are also voices of concern from the automobile-related industry, such as orders have started to decrease a little.

Depending on the economic situation, additional economic measures may be necessary.

It is necessary to say what needs to be said while building a relationship of trust.

He said, It is also necessary to develop our own technology in order to interact with the United States on an equal footing.

If a tariff of 35% or more is imposed, the automobile industry in particular will be greatly affected, so it is necessary to prepare measures to boost domestic demand.

He said, If we dont take measures now to support domestic sales, such as uniformly lowering the consumption tax, it will be too late.

Chairman Tamura of the Communist Party said, These tariffs are a violation of the rules, and international discussions should be held at forums such as the East Asia Summit to seek correction.

At the same time, we must firmly reject demands for increased military spending.

He said, Theres no way it can be compatible with the household budget.

Reiwa Shinsengumi leader Yamamoto said, America knows it can take anything from Japan.

Even though the U.S. withdrew from the TPP during the first Trump administration, we are still offering the same tariff reductions.

He stated, It is necessary to thoroughly expand domestic demand, and the abolition of the consumption tax must be carried out.

Mr. Kamiya, the leader of the Sansei Party, said, President Trump is making sweeping changes to the rules of the world, so we should align ourselves with him not just on tariffs but also on other issues, such as abandoning decarbonization policies.

We should expand domestic demand without relying on the United States, he said.

Hoshu Party leader Momota of the Japan Conservative Party said, I believe there is another message.

The United States is quite dissatisfied with Japan and is imposing strict tariff conditions, isnt it?

Social Democratic Party leader Fukushima said, In order to protect Japans free trade and the lives of its people, we should speak clearly to the United States.

He said, The swelling defense budget is putting pressure on the budgets for education and agriculture.