Japan

Both [the U.S. and Japan] actually have had some credibility problems in key priorities in their foreign policy.

These [TPP] talks are a way for the United States to rebalance its relationship with Asia, not just in military terms but in a way that taps into Asian economic optimism and that [avoids] highlighting China as a main security competitor. This rebalancing is actually an inclusive, expansive project.

If the U.S. cannot deliver on [the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement], criticisms that the re-balance is just rhetoric take hold.

Crazy as it may sound that we should be so fixed on the beef prices or the reports on wheat and so forth, this actually has larger ramifications [for the Trans-Pacific Partnership].