Once, when Japan faced pressure from abroad, it would either give in reluctantly or keep quiet and hope that the fuss would die down. No longer, it seems. The Clinton administration strongly believes in exerting such pressure. Its policy is to open some Japanese markets by setting import target—an approach to trade policy that supporters call “results-oriented”. This ugly term foreshadows uncertain consequences. Far from capitulating to this new thrust of American trade policy, Japan is taking a stand that could lead to a trans-Pacific confrontation.
从前当日本面对来自国外的压力时,它或者会勉强屈服,或者会保持安静,并且希望那些骚扰会逐渐消失。但看起来日本现在已经不再采取这种态度。克林顿政府热衷于施加这样的压力。其政策旨在用设定进口指标的方法打开一些日本市场——拥护者将这一处理贸易政策的方法称之为“结果导向法”。这一令人生厌的术语预示了许多不确定的结果。日本非但没有向美国新推行的贸易政策屈服,反而采取了一种可能导致跨太平洋冲突的立场。
