Japan’s PM begins Southeast Asia, Australia tour to strengthen energy ties

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has begun a five-day visit to Vietnam and Australia aimed at strengthening economic security, energy cooperation, and regional supply chains amid global instability and rising geopolitical tensions.

The trip, which began on May 1, comes as Japan seeks to diversify energy sources and secure critical minerals due to uncertainty surrounding Middle East tensions and potential disruptions to maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit point for Japanese oil imports, Kyodo News reports.

Before departing Tokyo, Takaichi said she would “affirm cooperation in securing stable energy supplies and strengthening supply chains for critical minerals and other resources in Asia, given the situation in the Middle East,” referencing ongoing regional conflict involving Iran.

In Vietnam, she is scheduled to meet President and Communist Party leader To Lam and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung. The two sides are expected to issue a joint document on cooperation in areas such as energy and artificial intelligence.

Japan also plans to discuss expanding its “Official Security Assistance” framework with Vietnam, including potential defence equipment support as part of broader security cooperation in the region.

Takaichi will also deliver a speech in Hanoi outlining Japan’s vision for a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” marking the 10th anniversary of the initiative, which emphasizes a rules-based regional order amid territorial disputes involving China and several Southeast Asian nations.

In Australia, she will hold talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on May 4 to reaffirm their “special strategic partnership.” The two countries are expected to deepen cooperation on economic security, particularly in rare earths, energy, and food supply chains.

Japan and Australia, both key U.S. allies, have significantly expanded defence and industrial cooperation in recent years, including joint naval shipbuilding projects and broader security alignment in the Indo-Pacific region.

By Sabina Mammadli