Japanese Government: "South Korea Must Clearly Meet Criteria to Pursue CPTPP Membership"

▲Matsuno Hirokazu, Chief Cabinet Secretary

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] On the 14th, the Japanese government expressed the position that it is "necessary to clearly determine" whether South Korea meets the requirements for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), amid South Korea's push to join the CPTPP.

Matsuno Hirokazu, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, responded to questions about South Korea's CPTPP membership at a regular press conference that morning by saying, "The CPTPP has high standards not only in terms of market access but also in rules regarding e-commerce, intellectual property rights, government procurement, and state-owned enterprises."

He added, "I think it is first necessary to clearly determine whether a country seeking new membership is fully prepared to meet these high standards."

He further stated, "From our country's perspective, we will continue to monitor the trends of countries showing interest in new membership and respond based on strategic viewpoints and public understanding."

Regarding South Korea's push to join the CPTPP, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno said, "We have not consulted with South Korea so far, nor do we plan to consult at this point."

Earlier, the South Korean government officially announced its intention to pursue CPTPP membership the previous day.

According to Kyodo News, Kaneko Genjiro, Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, also stated at a press conference that day regarding South Korea's CPTPP membership, "It is first necessary to clearly determine whether they are fully prepared to meet the high standards of the CPTPP."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.