Sanae Takaichi Visits Vietnam to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visits Vietnam and will meet with Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in Hanoi. As Japanese investment in Vietnam has slowed significantly, the two countries are seeking to strengthen bilateral relations.

Takaichi arrived in Hanoi on the evening of the 1st by special plane, beginning a three-day visit.

According to officials from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides are expected to discuss ways to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2023, with a particular focus on cooperation in energy, technology, critical minerals, and regional stability issues.

Japan remains one of Vietnam’s largest sources of foreign investment, with many Japanese multinational companies operating large manufacturing plants in Vietnam. However, Vietnamese government data shows that in the first quarter of this year, Japan’s new investment commitments in Vietnam dropped by about 75% year-on-year, to $233 million.

Japanese media reports indicate that during this visit, Takaichi will propose advancing diplomacy under the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” initiative through three main aspects: strengthening energy and critical mineral supply chains, sharing rules, and cooperation in security.

After completing her visit to Vietnam, Takaichi will travel to Australia.