FOCUS: Takaichi Sees Progress on Economic Security, China at G7 Debut

Evian, France, June 17 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrapped up her first Group of Seven summit since taking office last October after seeing her proposals on economic security and China reflected in the leaders’ statements. During the three-day summit in Evian, eastern France, which ended Wednesday, the Japanese prime minister proposed diversifying energy sources to enhance economic security and promoting closer cooperation on China, even as global attention remained focused on the Middle East following a U.S.-Iran agreement to end their conflict. Now, however, she faces a tough decision on whether to dispatch the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz. “The G7 was able to send a clear and unified message on energy security to the world with an outcome document,” Takaichi told a press conference after the summit. The leaders of the G7–Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States plus the European Union–issued a statement on geopolitical issues on Wednesday. The statement calls on nations to “play an important role to facilitate the resumption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz by protecting merchant vessels, reassuring commercial shipping operators, and supporting verification that all mines are removed.” While the statement itself does not limit Japan’s actions in the Middle East, the Asian nation may face increased international pressure to dispatch SDF ships to the region. At a Japan-U.S. summit held in March, U.S. President Donald Trump sought Japan’s contribution to ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. After returning home, Takaichi will assess whether there are mines in the strait and evaluate the overall security situation in the Middle East before deciding on specific measures, taking Japanese public opinion into account. Prior to the summit, Takaichi visited Britain and Italy to help lay the groundwork for reaffirming G7 unity. In separate talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, she proposed the “Joint Stockpiling Cooperation Initiative” to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals. She also outlined three principles on energy security, including efforts to secure oil stockpiles. Both leaders expressed support for the initiatives. The G7 leaders’ statement included a commitment to accelerate the diversification of energy supply routes, while another outcome document issued at the summit underscored the importance of critical mineral value chains. A Japanese government official said, “The Joint Stockpiling Cooperation Initiative is a proposal that other countries can readily embrace.” “We were able to demonstrate G7 unity to the world,” the official added. Representing the only Asian member of the G7, Takaichi highlighted China’s growing assertiveness in East Asia and sought support for Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative. The leaders’ statement underscored “the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.” Those close to Takaichi expressed relief that she had been able to convey Japan’s key messages to the other G7 leaders during the summit. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]