Secretary of State for International Trade Elizabeth Truss described Britain’s relationship with Japan as “absolutely critical” and the UK announced on 17 June plans to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), The Diplomat reported on 24 June. Although London and Tokyo continue to negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement, the UK’s interest in being part of the CPTPP is seen as a path to strengthening relations with Japan, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been a proponent of their joining.