Like-minded cooperation defined Wednesday’s summit between Japan and France. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Tokyo. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. They also discussed the volatile situation in the Middle East. Furthermore, they coordinated their approaches toward both the United States and China. This like-minded cooperation comes as G7 unity faces unprecedented external pressures.
Takaichi has focused on building relationships with G7 leaders since taking office. She aims to maintain international order based on shared values. The current international security environment has grown increasingly severe. Consequently, cooperation among like-minded countries has become even more important. France currently holds the G7 chairmanship for this year. Therefore, like-minded cooperation with France carries special strategic weight for Japan.
Macron responded by referring to cooperation on Ukraine support. He also discussed the Middle East situation with Takaichi. Macron expressed belief in the power of cooperation among like-minded nations. Notably, this marks Macron’s first bilateral visit to Japan since 2017. He previously only attended international conferences in the country. The initial purpose was coordinating positions before the G7 summit. However, the Middle East situation rapidly emerged as the key agenda item.
The United States recently attacked Iran, escalating regional tensions. Both Japan and France face pressure from US President Donald Trump. Trump has urged both nations to dispatch naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz. An effective blockade continues in that strategic waterway. Takaichi visited the United States in March seeking to ease US dissatisfaction. She projected a strong Japan-US alliance through economic cooperation. A source close to Takaichi said she maintains a good relationship with Trump. Therefore, she can serve as a bridge to keep the United States engaged.
France received criticism from Trump just days before the summit. Trump posted on social media on March 31 calling France very unhelpful. France wants to avoid further widening its rift with the United States. Consequently, Paris is considering measures such as escorting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. France led an online meeting of 35 countries on March 26. A senior French presidency official said France will work with directly affected countries. This issue likely received significant attention during the summit meeting.
Macron becomes the fifth G7 leader to visit Japan since Takaichi took office. Many leaders have also visited China around the time of their Japan trips. Macron himself visited China in December last year. Japan-China relations have cooled considerably in recent months. Therefore, Japan remains on alert regarding growing closeness between China and Europe. This like-minded cooperation with France helps counterbalance China’s European diplomacy.
The two leaders finalized several sector-specific documents on Wednesday. These include an agreement on nuclear energy cooperation. They also issued a joint statement covering multiple areas of partnership. A senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official expressed satisfaction with the outcome. We demonstrated a mature relationship on a different level from Sino-French relations, the official said. France remains mindful of balancing its ties between Japan and China.
Macron stated that economic security sits at the core of both countries’ strategy. He stressed the importance of cooperation in securing critical minerals. His remark reflects Japan’s current situation facing economic pressure from China. The upcoming G7 summit will discuss correcting international trade imbalances. China will likely feature prominently in those discussions. Some had suggested inviting China to the G7 summit. However, China is not expected to receive an invitation to the meeting. This like-minded cooperation among G7 members thus excludes Beijing from the inner circle.
