Japan ready to play free-trade cop.

Japanese auto makers claimed that Indonesia violates the international trade regulations of the World Trade Organization by providing preferential treatment to Kia Motor's Ltd. (KMC). Indonesian President Suharto gave a three-year tariff and tax concession to the national-car venture that was conducted between his son and KMC. Japan claims that the concession will allow KMC to sell its cars in the country at a cheaper price. Japanese ships refused to transport KMC cars to Indonesia in compliance to their government's protests.
TOKYO - Japan is poised to show the world a new face: free-trade ...