But Hanoi aims to stay on good terms with all global powers through its traditional “bamboo diplomacy” approach, while Tokyo has seen its already frosty relations with Beijing deteriorate markedly in recent months.
Takaichi drew a sharp rebuke from Beijing in November when she suggested that close US ally Japan might intervene militarily to thwart any Chinese attempt to take Taiwan.
China, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to annex it, summoned Japan’s ambassador, warned Chinese citizens against visiting Japan and imposed trade restrictions.
Beijing has also slammed Takaichi’s calls for a “free and open Indo-Pacific”, saying they are a veiled attempt to promote bloc confrontation.
Takaichi will return to the theme in her speech on Saturday, according to Japanese media reports, calling for cooperation to ensure security, free trade and stable supply chains including for energy and critical minerals.
“Vietnam highlights strategic self-reliance with a positive and active external foreign policy,” she said in Hanoi on Saturday.
“Therefore, increasing cooperation with Vietnam is extremely important for the realisation and progress of (a) free and open Indo-Pacific”.
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