Both parties are anticipated to explore collaboration in fields including energy and artificial intelligence.
Japan and Vietnamare scheduled to concur on enhancing their collaboration in economic security during leaders’ discussions on Saturday, as Japan aims to reinforce supply chains for essential resources amid its diplomatic conflict with China and theMiddle East crisis.
As Tokyo seeks to strengthen relationships with Southeast Asian countries while keeping an eye on China’s growing economic involvement in the region, Prime MinisterSanae Takaichiwill also deliver a speech regarding Japan’s revised vision for its free and open Indo-Pacific policy framework during her trip to Hanoi through Sunday.
A final document aimed at fostering collaboration in areas such asenergyand it is anticipated that artificial intelligence will be launched after Takaichi’s meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, according to officials.
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Japan, with limited resources, has been striving to diversify its supply chains following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the US-Israeli conflict against Iran and China’s restrictions on certain exports.rare earth elements.
Regarding national security, Tokyo has aimed to strengthen relations withAseanmembers, including Vietnam, as China increases its military operations in the resource-abundantSouth China Sea, the location of one of the most active sea routes in the world.
During December in Tokyo, Japan and Vietnam conducted their initial two-plus-two meeting involving vice foreign and defense ministers. Japan is also considering incorporating Vietnam into its Official Security Assistance program introduced in 2023, aimed at supplying defense equipment to allied nations.
Later on Saturday, Takaichi is scheduled to meet with the Vietnamese President and the leader of the ruling Communist Party.To Lam. Takaichi’s meetings with Hung and Lam mark their first in-person discussions since Vietnam’s current leadership took office in April.
Takaichi is also scheduled to give a speech at a university in Hanoi regarding her perspective on the development of Japan’s free and open Indo-Pacific diplomatic initiative. This year signifies the tenth anniversary of its establishment by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as a subtle response to China’s increasing military and economic power in the area.
It is anticipated that her speech will highlight the significance of increased collaboration in economic security, enhancing supply chains for energy and essential minerals, and establishing common regulations.
Japan and Vietnam have encountered territorial assertions from Beijing in the East China Sea and South China Sea, respectively.
The head of government arrived in Vietnam on Friday. She then proceeds toAustraliafor discussions with the Prime MinisterAnthony Albaneseon Monday, prior to departing for Japan on Tuesday.
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This piece was first published in the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a top news outlet covering China and Asia.
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