Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae spoke in Vietnam about Japan’s foreign policy, advocating for a free and open Indo-Pacific. She highlighted three priority areas, including strengthening energy supply chains, in an increasingly tense international environment.
Ms. Takaichi addressed a university audience in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, on Saturday.
The concept of a free and open Indo-Pacific was first proposed 10 years ago by former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.
Ms. Takaichi emphasized that despite significant changes in the region, this principle remains unchanged. She added that Japan will play a more active role in building an international order based on freedom, transparency, and the rule of law.
She also stressed the need to address new realities, such as intensifying geopolitical competition and accelerating technological innovation.
The Prime Minister stated that Japan will focus its efforts on three priority areas. The first is to strengthen energy and critical resources supply chains. Research and development in artificial intelligence will be encouraged, as well as the improvement of submarine cables and other infrastructure.
The second goal is to increase the participation of more countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership to expand the economic order based on rules. Japan also aims to establish rules to avoid dependence on certain countries for essential resources.
Ms. Takaichi mentioned security cooperation as the third priority area. She stated that Japan will support the enhancement of maritime security capabilities through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) security assistance program.
