Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is expected to visit Vietnam and the Philippines next week to exchange views with the countries’ leaders on the US’s new tariffs.
Arrangements are being made for Ishiba to hold separate summit talks with the leaders of the two Southeast Asian nations.
The leaders are expected to exchange opinions on the Trump administration’s tariff measures. They will also discuss the ways in which the levies could affect the world’s economy and the free trade system.
They will likely share information on claims made by the US administration.
Ishiba apparently intends to emphasize the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law. He may also stress that it is important for Japan and the two nations to strengthen security cooperation, in light of China’s increasing maritime activities.
Ishiba may visit a monument in the Philippines, where he can pay his respects to Japanese nationals who died in the country during World War Two. This year marks 80 years since the war ended.
Ishiba apparently wants to strengthen Japan’s ties to Southeast Asian nations, which are part of the Global South. This comes as global uncertainty appears to be increasing, due to actions by the US and China.
Ishiba also apparently wants to contribute to peace and stability in the region by visiting the two countries.
AloJapan.com