Japan, US begin second round of trade talks in parallel with TPP

Japan and the United States on Monday began a second round of bilateral talks on autos and trade barriers in parallel with Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations, with Tokyo calling for "maximum flexibility" in the discussions. During the two-day talks in Tokyo preceding a series of TPP meetings of the 12 member states starting Tuesday in Bali, Indonesia, the two sides are expected to discuss issues including automobiles and nontariff barriers in nine areas including insurance, intellectual property and investment, according to Japan's (Kyodo) News Agency. Representing Japan, Takeo Mori, ambassador for economic diplomacy, said at the outset of the meeting that he wants US officials to show "utmost and maximum flexibility.