HANOI — Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged on Saturday to strengthen efforts to maintain a “free and open Indo-Pacific” amid growing geopolitical competition in the region. Speaking at a university in Hanoi, Takaichi emphasized Japan’s commitment to promoting an international order grounded in freedom, openness, diversity, inclusiveness, and the rule of law.

Addressing what she described as a “challenging” new era marked by accelerating technological innovation and intensifying geopolitical rivalries, Takaichi called on Asian countries to build resilience and develop the capability to shape their own futures. While she did not directly name China, the prime minister voiced concerns about “excessive dependence on a single country for critical goods,” attributing such reliance to “unduly low prices” and urging the establishment of a level playing field in trade and supply chains.

During her visit to Vietnam on Saturday, Takaichi held talks with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and To Lam, who recently assumed office as the country’s president while also serving as the Communist Party leader. The discussions culminated in a joint agreement to elevate their high-level strategic partnership to a new phase. As part of this effort, the two sides signed six agreements focused on cooperation in technology, climate preparedness, and information and communication sectors.

Vietnamese leaders welcomed Japan’s renewed diplomatic vision and its focus on regional stability and economic collaboration. The partnership aligns with Vietnam’s goals of diversifying economic ties and enhancing technological development amid complex regional dynamics.

Japan’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which has been a source of tension with China, seeks to counterbalance Beijing’s growing influence by reinforcing partnerships among like-minded countries. Beijing has often criticized such initiatives as attempts to contain its rise, although Japan and Vietnam have framed their cooperation as mutually beneficial and aimed at fostering stability.

The visit highlights Tokyo’s efforts to deepen ties with Southeast Asian nations while advocating for principles that underpin the current international order. Both Japan and Vietnam appear committed to pursuing shared goals in trade, technology, and security while navigating the evolving geopolitical landscape in Asia.