Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi [Reuters Yonhap News]

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering visiting Vietnam and Australia during the upcoming holiday period from the end of this month to early next month, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 5th.

Japan defines both countries as 'important partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region'.

It is expected that Prime Minister Takaichi will pursue security cooperation during summit talks in Vietnam and Australia, respectively, with China's strengthening maritime expansion based on military power in mind.

Furthermore, in relation to China pressuring Japan and controlling rare earth exports following Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks hinting at 'intervention in case of a Taiwan contingency', it is anticipated that cooperation in economic security areas, including strengthening supply chains for critical minerals such as rare earths, and securing energy will also be sought.

In particular, since Australia is Japan's top importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal, energy supply and demand is likely to be a major agenda item in the bilateral talks.

Yomiuri reported that Prime Minister Takaichi may also express new ideas related to the 'free and open Indo-Pacific' policy during this overseas visit.

This policy was announced by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom Prime Minister Takaichi considers his political mentor, essentially to counter China.

Prime Minister Takaichi is known to include strengthening the economic base, economic growth through problem-solving, and security cooperation in the new concept.

Yomiuri reported that Prime Minister Takaichi will make a final decision on whether to visit foreign countries after observing the situation in the Middle East.