Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba began a four-day tour of Vietnam and the Philippines on Sunday. He departed Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on a government jet and landed in Hanoi the same day.
Ishiba’s trip focuses on boosting security cooperation with Vietnam and the Philippines. With China’s maritime expansion growing, Japan aims to strengthen alliances in the region. Ishiba also seeks to reaffirm strong economic ties amid the U.S. administration’s high tariff policies.
On Sunday, Ishiba held talks with To Lam, the General Secretary of Vietnam’s Communist Party. To Lam is Vietnam’s top leader. Discussions centered on deepening security cooperation and economic collaboration.
On Monday, Ishiba will meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. During the summit, Ishiba plans to propose a new vice-ministerial dialogue between foreign and defense authorities. He will also push for cooperation in training human resources for the semiconductor industry.
Security cooperation will also headline talks in the Philippines. On Tuesday, Ishiba will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The two leaders are expected to start negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). They will also aim for an early conclusion of a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).
Security cooperation remains crucial as regional tensions rise. Japan’s closer military ties with Vietnam and the Philippines show a united front against increasing maritime threats.
Beyond security cooperation, Ishiba’s trip emphasizes economic strength. Many Japanese companies operate in Vietnam and the Philippines. Both countries continue to experience strong economic growth.
Ishiba plans to meet local business representatives during his tour. He will discuss the impacts of U.S. tariffs and explore ways to deepen trade ties.
Through strong security cooperation and robust economic partnerships, Japan aims to maintain stability and prosperity in Asia.
