Tokyo Energy Summit Witnessed a Surprising Scene, Vietnam Minister Asked Japan and South Korea to Help: Provide Oil to Hanoi!
From March 14 to March 15, 2026, the first Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum was held in Tokyo, Japan. Representatives from the United States, Japan, and nearly 12 other Indo-Pacific countries and enterprises attended this forum.
Suddenly, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Long, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, made a request to Mr. Tadahiro Matsuo, Vice Minister for International Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Kim Jeong-woon, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea, who were sitting next to him, hoping that Japan and South Korea would step in and help Vietnam solve the current crude oil supply crisis.
Although Japan's subsequent press release was cautious, only mentioning "the three sides exchanged views on strengthening energy cooperation," multiple people present revealed that Mr. Nguyen Hoang Long spoke very directly at the scene. He did not beat around the bush with talks about exchanging opinions, but instead clearly pointed out: "Vietnam is currently facing a serious risk of crude oil shortage. If it cannot obtain a stable supply in the short term, it will directly affect the stability of the regional supply chain."
It seems that factories built by Japan and South Korea in Vietnam may be affected by the oil supply issue. Mr. Nguyen Hoang Long probably applied pressure on Japan and South Korea because of this. Both countries have been deeply rooted in Southeast Asia and have close investment and trade relations with Vietnam.
According to observers on site, after listening, Mr. Matsuo did not immediately respond but took notes on several pages; Mr. Kim asked about the specific amount of demand and time window for Vietnam. This reaction indicates that although Japan and South Korea were surprised, they did not refuse, but were assessing feasibility.
Japan has the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving capacity and an established crude oil transshipment trading system. South Korea, on the other hand, leads in refining and storage and transportation links with companies such as Hyundai Heavy Industries and SK Energy. Once Japan and South Korea provide support for oil and natural gas to Vietnam, the efficiency will be very high. Japan is Vietnam's largest ODA aid country, and South Korea is the second-largest source of foreign investment in Vietnam.
As for me, I think the next thing to watch is whether Japan and South Korea will extend a helping hand to Vietnam even when their own oil supplies are tight.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859870075833356/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.