Javad Heirannia of Mehr News International Correspondent asked John McCain, US senator, Republican from Arizona, in a brief interview about Transpacific Partnership trade deal. Mr. McCain said he actively supported the deal, as he saw it lifting important trade barriers and which would help create jobs and bring prosperity to the US.
On possible role of China, Mr. McCain believed that the deal did create a strong counterweight to Chinese’ ‘protectionist policies.’ However, Mr. McCain did not provide any response whether China would seek retaliatory measures against TPP, and possible US countermeasures should China act in response to TPP:
The United States and 11 countries, after 5 years of intensive negotiations, have just reached a consensus over Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. Some are of the opinion that one of the main objectives behind the newly signed deal is to contain China. How do you think about it?
As you may know, the TPP is a proposed free trade agreement between the United States and eleven Pacific nations including Australia, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand. Negotiations were completed on this landmark agreement on October 5, 2015.
I strongly support reducing barriers to trade, which I see as an opportunity for the American workforce. The global economy is here to stay, and we limit our potential by trying to wall ourselves off to foreign competition. In fact, competition makes us stronger; we can compete and win, as we always have, or we can be left behind. Lowering trade barriers plays an essential role in creating more and better jobs, and higher wages. Free trade also helps to make goods more affordable for low and middle income consumers. For all of these reasons, I am a strong supporter of the TPP and am eager to see it ratified by the Congress.
Is it possible for Russia and China to join the deal?
I further support the TPP because it is more than just a trade agreement. It is a strategic agreement between the United States and many countries in the Asia-Pacific region that are integral to the continuing security and prosperity of the United States. Ratifying a high-quality TPP sends an important signal to both our allies and adversaries that the United States remains a strong, committed player in Asia. It will strengthen vitally important security relationships with countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Australia, and provide a strategic counterweight to China, whose protectionist policies will undoubtedly dominate if America fails to compete.
I am aware that some people are concerned about President Obama's request for TPA, also known as fast-track authority, as a way to facilitate passage of the TPP and other trade agreements. However, by granting TPA to the President, the Congress exercises influence on the President, sets parameters for a trade negotiation, and establishes objectives that must be met in a final agreement. I believe TPA was a critical authority that enabled the President to conclude the TPP negotiations in a transparent and accountable manner.
Now that negotiations have concluded, Congress will thoroughly review the final agreement to ensure that the TPP best achieves our economic priorities. While there will likely be months of final drafting and debate to ensure high standards, I look forward to the final conclusion of a strong TPP agreement that reduces trade barriers, opens new markets, promotes made-in-America exports, and keeps American companies competitive in one of the most economically vibrant and fastest-growing regions in the world.
Interview by Javad Heirania