Read The Diplomat, Know The Asia-Pacific
A new era of ‘like-minded partnerships’
In early May 2026, during Japan’s extended holiday period known as “Golden Week,” Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae paid official visits to Vietnam and Australia. Takaichi’s trip to Australia – her first since assuming office – coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of the 1976 Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia and was at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Takaichi’s visit to Australia took place against a backdrop of unprecedentedly acute international tensions surrounding both countries. In particular, the growing instability in the Middle East has created a situation of grave concern for Japan and Australia, both of which depend heavily on imported energy resources. Moreover, the Trump administration’s policies toward the Middle East have raised concerns that a potential vacuum of power could emerge in the Indo-Pacific region, thereby calling into question the security of Japan and Australia, which have long relied upon the U.S. military presence.
At a summit meeting held in Canberra, the two leaders issued a series of forward-looking documents, including a joint declaration on economic security cooperation, as well as statements advancing partnerships in energy security, critical minerals, and cyber domains, alongside an enhanced framework for defense and security cooperation. They further instructed their respective ministers to explore concrete measures to institutionalize “comprehensive security cooperation” between Japan and Australia by the time of their next summit.
