Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s Prime Minister, on Sunday, while on the Golden week breaks, took off from Haneda Airport towards Vietnam, marking the start of a four day trip along with The Philippines. This diplomatic journey is intended to strengthen Japan’s ties with the two critical Southeast Asian countries, balancing both the security framework and the economic partnership amid a multifaceted regional landscape.
Fortifying National Defense Against Regional Threats
Pertaining to the trip, a focal point of Japan’s prime minister is to motivate Vietnam and the Philippines to higher levels of security partnership with Japan. These alliances are particularly mindful of the rising Chinese maritime aggression, a concern Japan shares with its regional allies. These new measures are meant to improve defense and strategic cooperation.
Diplomatic Activities in Vietnam
On Sunday, Vietnam was scheduled to hold a talk with the country’s top leader, To Lam, who serves as general secretary. On Monday, Ishiba is scheduled to have a summit meeting with the Vietnamese Number Two, Pham Minh Chinh. During those meetings, the Japanese Prime Minister is expected to offer to create sponsor-level foreign and defense ministry dialogues on the Japanese side.
In addition, Japan’s interests and Vietnam’s developing sectors are aligned in the cooperation on training human resources for the semiconductor industry.
Tackling Defense Agreements in the Philippines
Furthering the defense arrangements in the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to meet on Tuesday. From this meeting, it is hoped an agreement will emerge whereby the two countries would begin negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA). Other negotiations aim for the swift conclusion of a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), which would mark stronger bilateral military intelligence relations.
Strengthening Economic Engagements and Trade Barriers
Japan plans to reaffirm its economic ties with the Philippines, particularly through its NHK business center, amidst rising global tariffs, especially those raised by the Trump administration. Visiting businessmen from both countries are seeking to strengthen a secure network and raise lobbying efforts to address tariffs in the Persian Gulf region and encourage free trade. They are keen to deal directly with Japan, which benefits from economic globalization.
