Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba began a four-day visit to Vietnam on Sunday, with plans to also visit the Philippines. The trip aims to enhance Japan’s economic and security relations with Southeast Asia. This visit comes at a time when tensions are rising in the region due to China’s growing influence. Ishiba highlighted the need to strengthen security cooperation, especially as China continues its aggressive actions in the East and South China seas.
Ishiba’s visit is his third to Southeast Asia since he took office in October. He has emphasized the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on the economies of Vietnam and the Philippines. Ishiba plans to meet with Japanese business executives in both countries to discuss the challenges posed by these trade tensions. These discussions are expected to help shape Japan’s policies toward the region’s economic landscape.
In Hanoi, Ishiba met with Vietnamese leader To Lam, the General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party. Lam stated that Vietnam and Japan’s bilateral ties had strengthened in all areas. Ishiba also visited an industrial park in Hanoi, where more than 100 Japanese companies operate. During his visit, he heard from local executives about the challenges they face in the current global economic environment.
On Monday, Ishiba is scheduled to meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. He plans to offer Japan’s assistance in providing defense equipment to Vietnam, as part of Japan’s official security assistance program. The meeting is expected to result in a joint declaration, focusing on economic cooperation and setting up a framework for dialogue between both countries’ foreign and defense officials.
After his visit to Vietnam, Ishiba will travel to the Philippines, where he is expected to hold talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The discussions are likely to focus on an intelligence-sharing agreement and joint coast guard drills. Japan has been working to strengthen its security ties with ASEAN nations, particularly in response to China’s increasing military activities in the South China Sea. These waters are of strategic importance and are claimed by China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The visit underscores Japan’s growing commitment to Southeast Asia, a region it sees as crucial to its economic and geopolitical interests. As China’s influence continues to grow, Japan aims to bolster its relations with ASEAN members and maintain a strong presence in the region.
