[Provisional translation]
(Reporter)
Madame Prime Minister, thank you for your time. I am Kojima from the coordinating agency, NHK. First, I would like to ask you regarding your recent visits. Prior to your departure, you indicated your intention to confirm cooperation with Vietnam and Australia to strengthen supply chain resilience, including energy, in light of the situation in the Middle East. Do you believe that objective was achieved, and could you also outline the outcomes?
Additionally, in Vietnam, you delivered a foreign policy speech upgrading the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).” Marking ten years since its proposal by former Prime Minister Abe, why is it necessary to upgrade FOIP at this time, and how do you intend to reflect the content of your speech in future diplomatic policy?
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
Thank you. During my visits to Vietnam and Australia, in addition to deepening personal trust with each of the leaders, we were able to reach agreement on advancing concrete cooperation toward our shared objective of enhancing mutual resilience and autonomy, and becoming stronger and more prosperous together as a region.
In the field of economic security in particular, we issued cooperation documents with each country. We confirmed strengthened cooperation in addressing urgent challenges for Japan, including ensuring stable energy supplies such as LNG, and reinforcing supply chain resilience for rare earths and other critical minerals. Given the current situation in the Middle East, I believe this represents a significant achievement. Notably, with Vietnam, we agreed to proceed with support for additional crude oil procurement as the first project under the “POWERR Asia” initiative that I announced last month. Medical supplies produced by Japanese companies in Vietnam are exported to Japan. Supporting energy procurement necessary for Vietnam’s economic activity—a country bearing the role of an important regional supply chain hub—helps stabilize the livelihoods of people in both Japan and Vietnam. This is of great importance.
We also held substantive discussions with both leaders on regional affairs and security cooperation. We agreed on closer coordination regarding strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including the situation in East Asia, and especially on further deepening security cooperation. In particular, with Australia—a frontrunner in like-minded security cooperation—we strongly reaffirmed further strengthening cooperation as partners at a level that could be described as “quasi-allies.”
Regarding the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” which now marks ten years since its proposal by Prime Minister Abe, I delivered a policy speech on its upgrading. In that speech, I emphasized the need to enhance the autonomy and resilience of regional countries in response to changes over the past decade, and to become stronger and more prosperous together through concrete cooperation. I am pleased that both leaders expressed support for this approach.
Building on the outcomes of this visit to Vietnam and Australia, we will continue working hand in hand with regional partners to advance concrete initiatives under the upgraded FOIP framework, and to together strengthen and enrich the Indo-Pacific region as a whole.
(Reporter)
I am Saito from TV Tokyo. Regarding the joint development of the upgraded capability Mogami-class frigate between Japan and Australia, what discussions took place at today’s meeting? What significance does this joint development have for strengthening both countries’ security?
Additionally, the Mogami-class was designed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and may contribute to strengthening Japan’s domestic defense industry. In light of the recent revision to the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, how does the Takaichi administration intend to promote growth in the defense industry?
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
The security field forms the foundation of the strong Japan–Australia relationship. The introduction by the Royal Australian Navy of a multi-role frigate based on the upgraded Mogami-class destroyer represents landmark cooperation symbolizing the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. Both sides welcomed this and agreed to steadily advance the project.
This initiative has wide-ranging significance for both Japan and Australia, including greatly enhancing interoperability, strengthening supply chain cooperation, and improving shipbuilding, maintenance, and sustainment capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. I believe it will contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
At a time when the security environment is becoming increasingly severe, transferring defense equipment to partner countries enhances their defense capabilities and contributes to deterring conflicts before they arise, thereby strengthening Japan’s own security. Furthermore, expanding markets and supply chain cooperation through defense equipment transfers contributes to the development of the defense industry and related sectors, and ultimately to Japan’s economic growth.
Based on this perspective, we recently revised the system regarding defense equipment transfers. I would like to emphasize that although there are various opinions regarding the review of the five categories, formerly limited to rescue, transport, vigilance, surveillance and minesweeping, Japan remains committed to an exclusively defense-oriented policy. We do not possess aircraft carriers or bombers, nor do we possess equipment intended for invading other countries or conducting attacks within foreign territory. Our defense equipment is developed strictly within the framework of exclusive self-defense. Sharing such defensive capabilities with partner countries is truly important for regional peace.
Building a strong defense industrial base capable of producing, maintaining, and sustaining such equipment is more important than ever. There is also strong potential for creating a virtuous cycle between defense and the economy, particularly through dual-use technologies and defense equipment transfers. For example, the jointly developed Japan–U.S. F-2 fighter program, as you would be well aware, produced technologies that have been applied to everyday life, including titanium bolts used in medical treatment of bone fractures, ETC systems, and automotive collision-avoidance technologies. These innovations enhance safety, prosperity, and security in our daily lives.
With this in mind, I intend to further promote defense equipment transfers and strengthen the defense industry and related sectors.
(Reporter)
I am Okubo with the Asahi Shimbun. I would like to ask a question on domestic matters. In light of the Middle East situation and its broad impact on people’s lives, there are calls for compiling a supplementary budget at an early stage. Under what circumstances would you consider such a budget necessary?
Additionally, regarding the retrial law, bill submission has been delayed due to opposition within the Liberal Democratic Party. Do you still aim to submit and pass the bill during the current Diet session? Please share with us your approach going forward.
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
Regarding a supplementary budget, if necessary, we can utilize the contingency funds included in the FY2026 budget that was recently enacted. Therefore, at this time, the government does not believe that an immediate supplementary budget is required. We will closely monitor the economic impact of the Middle East situation and make appropriate decisions to ensure that people’s lives, livelihoods, and economic activities are not adversely affected. We will make every effort to that end.
As for the retrial law, as I have repeatedly stated, the government will proceed with preparations to submit the bill as promptly as possible, while fully taking into account discussions within the ruling party’s internal review process.