Takaichi's multi-front diplomacy: Golden Week tour, US coordination, and Indo-Pacific strategy
Primary region Asia
Tags Diplomacy · Security · Trade
Regions Asia
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi used the Golden Week holiday for an intensive diplomatic push, visiting Vietnam and Australia to advance Japan's 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' strategy. In Vietnam, she called for stronger regional autonomy against China's growing influence; in Australia, she deepened security and economic ties, including discussions on the multi-billion dollar Mogami naval vessel deal. Separately on May 12, Takaichi met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo to discuss Trump's upcoming visit to China, critical minerals, AI risks, and Indo-Pacific security.
Strategic interpretation
Takaichi is pursuing a layered diplomatic strategy: consolidating middle-power alliances to counterbalance China, maintaining close US coordination ahead of Trump's China visit, and using personal diplomacy to build trust. The Bessent meeting signals Japan's desire to avoid being caught off-guard by any US-China rapprochement.