Overview
- On her first trip since taking office, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is attending Japan–ASEAN leaders’ meetings and holding bilateral talks in Malaysia.
- She is expected to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific and deepen economic and security cooperation, including initiatives such as a Japan–Vietnam decarbonization project.
- A reported proposal to transfer used Japanese destroyers to the Philippines points to expanding defense collaboration.
- The visit unfolds against recent collisions involving Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Philippine ships in the South China Sea.
- She plans to leave Malaysia before the meetings conclude to prepare for President Trump’s visit to Tokyo on Monday.