Japan and Vietnam Upgrade Ties to Counter China's Influence

The two nations agree to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership', expanding security and economic cooperation amid regional tensions.

Japan and Vietnam have elevated their relationship to a 'comprehensive strategic partnership', marking a significant strengthening of their security and economic ties.
The move is seen as a response to China's growing influence in the region, with both countries involved in separate maritime disputes with China.
Japan has now joined the US, China, and India as Vietnam's top-tier partners, highlighting Vietnam's strategic role in the region.
The two nations have agreed to broaden their security cooperation, work on defense equipment and technology transfers, and start discussing a new Japanese aid program for militaries of like-minded developing countries in the region.
Japan is Vietnam's third-largest source of foreign investment and its fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $50 billion last year.