Japan, Vietnam sign agreements on semiconductors, clean energy

Japan and Vietnam agreed on Monday to deepen cooperation in the fields of semiconductors and clean energy during Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s visit to Hanoi.

The move comes as Japan seeks to strengthen its ties with Vietnam in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies. Japan expressed support for Japanese companies investing in Vietnam and emphasized the importance of developing local human resources in the semiconductor sector.

In addition to economic discussions, both leaders addressed regional security concerns, including the situations in the East and South China Seas, North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, and the abduction issue. Both countries agreed to maintain open channels of communication. The visit is seen as part of Japan’s broader effort to strengthen relations with Southeast Asian nations.