Takaichi Seeks Close Relationship with France

Sharing growing concern on unreliability of the United States on international security and China on international economy, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed with French President Emanuel Macron on bilateral cooperation based on “exceptional partnership.” They shared common views on the war in Iran and security in Indo-Pacific region, as they work together for developments in economic security or technological progress, in their meeting in Tokyo on April 1st,

At the outset of the summit meeting, Takaichi stressed importance of bilateral relations between Japan and France. “Amid the increasingly severe international security environment, the security of Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is closely interconnected and cooperation among like-minded countries has become even more important,” Takaichi said to Macron in the meeting. Macron hoped Takaichi to work closely within the framework in the G7, which France presides this year.

 

That indicated the standpoints of their countries, taking certain distance from complicated security situation in the Middle East, where the United States wages unilateral war against Iran. Being members of a joint statement against Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz on March 19, Takaichi and Macron affirmed importance of ensuring the safety of navigation in the strait, as demanding early de-escalation of the situation.

 

Japan seems to be taking a unique position in G7 countries. While maintaining close alliance with the United States, Japan is paid attention by European countries and Canada as a counterpart for building bilateral relationship in security and economy. Takaichi accepted visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer in January, and she had a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in March. Japan takes close stance to Europeans on the war in Iran.

 

In the meeting with Macron, Takaichi exchanged some agreements on economy. With concerns on export controls of critical minerals, supposedly targeting China, they concurred on further strengthening strategic cooperation in economic security. They also reconfirmed cooperation in development of fast reactors, promotion of nuclear fuel cycle and fusion energy. Both governments would launch high-level dialogue on artificial intelligence (AI) and Japan would host the AI summit.

 

It is critical for Japan to secure supply chain in the time of international insecurity as seen in Ukraine or Iran. In the meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Tokyo on March 31st, Takaichi agreed on strengthening cooperation on strengthening supply chains for liquified natural gas (LNG), critical minerals and nuclear energy.

 

It is the time for Japan to expand its diplomatic wing toward the world. However, Takaichi is facing limitation in terms of relations with Iran, due to her performance of appealing close relationship with Donald Trump, and with China caused by her own speech on possible use of force in a contingency in Taiwan.

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