By The South Asia Times

TOKYO  – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi departed Tokyo on Friday for a five-day official visit to Vietnam and Australia, embarking on a diplomatic push to bolster economic security cooperation as mounting tensions in the Middle East threaten global energy transportation and Japan’s resource-dependent economy.

Government officials confirmed that Japan aims to simultaneously step up security and economic ties with both regional partners amid China’s growing clout in the Indo-Pacific region, Kyodo News reported.

The trip, which runs through May 5, will include bilateral summit talks focused on diversifying energy suppliers, securing critical minerals, and strengthening supply chain resilience.

Speaking to reporters before departure, Takaichi underscored the urgency of the mission given the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran, a war that has escalated since late February and now jeopardizes maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

"I will affirm cooperation in securing stable energy supplies and strengthening supply chains for critical minerals and other resources in Asia, given the situation in the Middle East," Takaichi said.

Resource-poor Japan has historically relied on the Middle East for the vast majority of its crude oil imports, most of which transit through the Strait of Hormuz. With the effective closure of that strategic waterway in the wake of the war, Tokyo is now racing to diversify both its energy suppliers and shipping routes to avoid a crippling supply shock.

On Saturday, Takaichi is scheduled to meet with President To Lam—who also serves as leader of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party—as well as Prime Minister Le Minh Hung. Following their talks, officials expect the release of an outcome document promoting cooperation in areas including energy and artificial intelligence.

Security cooperation is also high on the agenda. Japan views Vietnam as a potential recipient of defense equipment under Tokyo’s "official security assistance" scheme, a program designed to help like-minded nations enhance their security capabilities. The officials said the initiative is likely to be discussed during the meetings.

Takaichi will also deliver a policy speech at a university in Hanoi, where she is expected to outline her vision for evolving Japan’s "free and open Indo-Pacific" initiative. The flagship diplomatic framework marks its 10th anniversary this year, and the Prime Minister is expected to call for a renewed push toward a rules-based international order in the region.

The Japan-Vietnam talks come as both nations continue to face territorial claims by Beijing—Japan in the East China Sea and Vietnam in the South China Sea, alongside other ASEAN members such as the Philippines.

Takaichi will arrive in Australia on Sunday and hold talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese the following day. Officials said the two leaders are expected to confirm their "special strategic partnership" and explore further strengthening cooperation across multiple domains.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Takaichi and Albanese are considering issuing a joint declaration on economic security cooperation, with a particular focus on strengthening supply chains for rare earths, energy resources, and food products.

The two nations, both close allies of the United States, have significantly ramped up security cooperation in recent years. In April, they announced the conclusion of contracts for the joint delivery of the first three of 11 ships for the Australian Navy, based on Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class vessel, a multi-mission stealth frigate.

That landmark defense deal, officials noted, symbolizes the deepening trust and interoperability between Tokyo and Canberra at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.

As Takaichi’s aircraft headed south from Tokyo, analysts said the trip reflects Japan’s urgent pivot: facing a volatile Middle East and an assertive China, Tokyo is locking in partnerships with two of the Indo-Pacific’s most strategically positioned nations to secure its economic lifelines and military footing for the decade ahead.