Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has called on Anthony Albanese to “spearhead efforts” for a free and open Indo-Pacific, urging closer Japan–Australia leadership in response to China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
During their first-ever bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, Ms Takaichi told Mr Albanese she wanted to “promote strategic co-operation with Australia, in addition to the existing Quad collaboration” — a grouping that includes Australia, Japan, India, and the United States.
“I hope our two countries can spearhead efforts so that we can push a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she said, stressing that both nations share the will and capacity to shape the region’s future.
Mr Albanese responded by reaffirming Australia’s alignment with Japan’s democratic values, free trade principles, and shared vision for regional stability. Posting on social media, he wrote:
“Democratic values. Free trade. A free and open Indo-Pacific — that’s the vision Japan and Australia share for our region.”
Photos from the meeting showed the two leaders smiling and shaking hands warmly, highlighting what both governments describe as a “special strategic partnership.”
Takaichi, a hardline conservative and former protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, became Japan’s first female leader earlier this year. Her stance signals a firm continuation of Abe’s foreign policy, focused on regional deterrence and strengthened alliances to balance China’s influence, especially in the South China Sea.
Mr Albanese’s visit to Malaysia also includes participation in the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur and the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. He also met Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, highlighting shared goals of regional stability, job creation, and expanded trade opportunities for Australian businesses.
Although critics back home have accused him of being “away yet again,” the visit comes at a pivotal time. The US and China are attempting to de-escalate trade tensions ahead of Donald Trump’s November 1st 100-percent tariffs deadline, following preliminary progress in negotiations.
Mr Albanese is expected to hold informal talks with President Trump during the summit season, after what the Centre for Strategic and International Studies described as “a successful Washington trip” reinforcing Australia’s vital role as the United States’ most important partner in countering China’s dominance in rare earths.
