Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ lands in Australia to shore up ties
Japan’s “Iron Lady” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has arrived in Australia for her first visit as a leader at a time when the two countries seek to strengthen energy and defense ties.
Ms Takaichi was greeted by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong when she landed in Canberra on Sunday evening ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House on Monday.
The visit celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Nara Agreement, which established relations and cooperation between Australia and Japan.
Although this agreement was negotiated in the context of the 1973 Middle East oil shock, this trip also takes place against the backdrop of the fuel crisis caused by the US-led war against Iran.
While a deal on critical minerals is expected, Ms Takaichi is expected to seek assurances from Australia for certainty over gas supplies.
During his stay in the country’s capital, the Japanese leader will also visit the Australian War Memorial and lay a wreath at the grave of the unknown soldier.
Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Alex Bristow said the focus of the visit would be on developing the partnership and would likely include new initiatives.
“The joint statement to be announced on economic security is expected to include language on energy and critical mineral supply chains,” he said.
“It could go even further and also address vital technologies such as artificial intelligence, which Takaichi has prioritized in his domestic economic reforms.”
The conservative Japanese leader, who counts Margaret Thatcher as an inspiration, won a landslide election victory in October, giving her the authority to enact major reforms, particularly in defence.
Although Australia and Japan do not have a formal alliance, relations remain close as the two countries work together on security issues in the Indo-Pacific.
Canberra has chosen Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to supply its upgraded Mogami-class frigate to the Australian navy for $10 billion.
It is the first time a Japanese prime minister has visited Australia since Fumio Kishida heads to Perth in late 2022.
But this will be the fourth time Mr Albanese and Ms Takaichi have met, with the leaders last meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa in November.
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