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JAPAN will take on a more proactive role in shaping a rules-based regional order, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said, as she promoted a long-standing Indo-Pacific strategy that has drawn criticism from China.
“I am renewing my determination to fulfil Japan's responsibilities and... to play an even more proactive role than ever before in building an international order based on freedom, openness, diversity, inclusiveness, and the rule of law,” AFP reported her saying in a speech at a university in Hanoi.
Framing her remarks against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical rivalry and rapid technological change, Takaichi urged Asian nations to strengthen resilience and preserve strategic autonomy.
In a pointed warning, she cautioned against overreliance on any single country for critical goods, noting that such dependence often stems from “unduly low prices” and calling for a “level playing field”. She also stressed that “regional supply chains are underpinned by the safe and open navigation of sea.”
The “free and open Indo-Pacific” concept, first articulated by former premier Shinzo Abe, has been embraced by several United States partners as a framework to maintain stability and counterbalance Beijing’s growing influence. China has criticised the initiative as an attempt to foster bloc confrontation, with officials accusing Tokyo of exacerbating divisions.
Although not naming China directly, Takaichi’s remarks reflect shared concerns between Japan and Vietnam over territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas. Both countries have also sought to diversify economic and security ties amid uncertainties linked to global trade disruptions.
However, Vietnam continues to pursue its longstanding “bamboo diplomacy” approach, maintaining balanced relations with major powers, even as Japan’s ties with Beijing have deteriorated in recent months.
Takaichi, widely viewed as a hawkish voice on China, previously drew a strong response from Beijing after suggesting Japan could intervene in the event of a conflict over Taiwan.
During her visit, she met Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Communist Party chief To Lam, with both sides agreeing to elevate their strategic partnership to a new phase of development.
The two countries signed six agreements covering technology, climate preparedness and communications, while also pledging to deepen security cooperation. They “reaffirmed the importance of resolving disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful means based on international law,” according to the Vietnamese leadership.
Ahead of her speech, Takaichi highlighted Vietnam’s emphasis on strategic self-reliance and an active foreign policy, describing enhanced cooperation as vital to advancing the Indo-Pacific vision.
Her visit comes as Japan seeks to strengthen partnerships across the region in response to global supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis and broader geopolitical tensions. Vietnam remains a key partner, with bilateral trade exceeding US$50 billion last year and Japan continuing as its largest provider of official development assistance.
Takaichi is scheduled to travel to Australia following the conclusion of her visit. - May 3, 2026
