Japan PM Takaichi Vows Free, Open Indo-Pacific Strategy Update in Vietnam

Japan PM Takaichi met Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi, signing six agreements on energy security and critical minerals. The Silicon Review reports on the FOIP strategy update and $5 billion annual investment target by 2030.

Japan PM Takaichi Sanae concluded the first leg of her five-day Southeast Asia tour in Hanoi, where she signed six bilateral cooperation documents and delivered a foreign policy speech updating the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) strategy .

The visit marks the first time Japan PM Takaichi has traveled to Vietnam since taking office. After meeting her counterpart Le Minh Hung on Saturday, she told reporters that the two sides have identified "economic security as a new priority area for bilateral cooperation," emphasizing stable supplies of critical minerals and crude oil under Japan's 10 billion POWERR Asia framework. The Vietnam Japan relationship took a major step forward as both governments agreed to target Japanese investment of 5 billion annually and bilateral trade of $60 billion by 2030.

The two leaders witnessed the exchange of six agreements 

Spanning space technology, information and communications, irrigation, climate-resilient infrastructure, and low-carbon growth. Japan and Vietnam also "reaffirmed the importance of resolving disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful means based on international law." 

The Vietnam Japan relationship has flourished in recent years, with Japan ranking as Vietnam's top provider of official development assistance and its largest partner in labor cooperation. Two-way trade surpassed 50 billion for the first time in 2025, while ODA cooperation increased by over 600 million.

Japan PM Takaichi will now travel to Australia to continue her diplomatic push. The visit comes amid a 75% year-on-year drop in new Japanese investment pledges in Vietnam during the first quarter, underscoring the need to reinvigorate economic ties.

 As Japan PM Takaichi vows to keep Asia 'free and open' while signing landmark energy and investment deals with Vietnam, The Silicon Review examines how the decade-old FOIP strategy is evolving to counter China's clout and whether Tokyo can reverse the sharp slowdown in investment that now threatens its closest Southeast Asian partnership.

About the Author

Sashindra Suresh is an experienced writer specializing in artificial intelligence, software development, and emerging technologies. With a strong ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, engaging insights, she has contributed to a wide range of publications and platforms. Her work focuses on making cutting-edge innovations accessible to both industry professionals and curious readers alike.