Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is visiting Australia to strengthen ties with one of her country’s strongest allies as she seeks to build on an updated regional strategy laid out in Vietnam.
Takaichi touched down late Sunday local time in Canberra for the three-day visit, which will focus on defense, critical minerals and broader economic security. The two countries have grown increasingly concerned about the changing security and economic environment in the region, with Japan taking a more assertive military stance and looking to build economic ties and stable supply chains with nations such as Vietnam.
Takaichi was greeted at the airport by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and later met with her counterpart Anthony Albanese, concluding agreements on boosting economic and energy security ties, as well as defense, critical minerals and cyber partnerships. She said in a briefing alongside the Australian prime minister that China was among regional topics they discussed.
AloJapan.com