Japan’s Takaichi pledges stronger role in Indo-Pacific

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to take a more active role in shaping international order and strengthening economic security, as Tokyo seeks to respond to rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking in Hanoi on May 2 to mark the 10th anniversary of Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative, Takaichi outlined an updated strategy focused on resilience, supply chains, and regional cooperation, KyodoNews reports. 

“In this challenging environment, it is essential for countries in the region to acquire 'resilience,'” she said, adding that it is crucial for nations to “determine their own future.”

Takaichi’s visit to Vietnam included talks with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and President To Lam, during which both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on economic security, including Japanese support for oil procurement to strengthen supply chains amid the Middle East crisis.

The updated FOIP framework will emphasise supply chain resilience, rules-based economic growth, and enhanced security cooperation aimed at maintaining regional stability.

Japan and Vietnam also identified key areas for future collaboration, including artificial intelligence and potential nuclear energy cooperation, with long-term prospects extending to 2040.

Originally introduced by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2016, the FOIP initiative was designed to promote a rules-based order in response to China’s growing regional influence.

Takaichi said the strategy is now being adapted to reflect shifting global dynamics.

By Sabina Mammadli