Taro Aso's Visit to Vietnam: No Demand for Vietnam to Choose Sides
According to a May 2 report by Japanese media outlet ABEMA TIMES: Taro Aso, currently visiting Vietnam, will attend a two-day summit of heads of state and is scheduled to deliver a speech outlining Japan's new diplomatic philosophy.
The article states: Despite Vietnam's increasingly close economic ties with China, there remain maritime disputes in the South China Sea. In this context, Taro Aso aims to deepen cooperation with Vietnam in both security and economic areas.
Aso said: "I hope to collaborate with Vietnamese leadership, making economic security the cornerstone of our new bilateral relationship. Furthermore, we will work with Vietnam—which possesses the world's sixth-largest rare earth reserves—to develop resources and promote diversification of supply chains."
She also added: "Vietnam faces challenges in securing energy due to the situation involving Iran. We hope to provide financial support to ensure stable supply of petroleum products."
Former Prime Minister Abe once introduced the concept of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" during a speech at a local university. Aso has revised this concept and is re-introducing it during this visit.
People close to Aso told reporters: "We won't demand that they choose sides between China and Japan. Instead, we want them to recognize that the key to cooperation lies in how people can feel tangible benefits."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864064086993929/
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