Vietnam and Japan agreed to expand cooperation in critical minerals and next-generation nuclear energy during a high-level summit in Tokyo on November 9, 2026.
The meeting between Vietnamese President To Lam and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi focused on economic security and the diversification of supply chains. Both leaders confirmed plans to accelerate public and private sector cooperation in the mining of essential minerals, including rare earths, to bolster regional stability, according to reports from Kyodo News and Lianhe Zaobao.
Vietnam Plans to Deploy Japanese Nuclear Technology After 2040
A significant outcome of the summit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding regarding nuclear energy. The agreement outlines a plan to deploy next-generation Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in Vietnam after 2040, according to Lianhe Zaobao and eNanyang. This move would make Vietnam the first country in Southeast Asia to utilize Japanese nuclear technology.
Vietnam has already identified two locations for these nuclear power plants: Khanh Hoa province and Ninh Thuan province. The two nations signed a loan agreement to construct efficient gas-steam combined cycle (GTCC) power plants in Vietnam, Lianhe Zaobao reported.
Energy security remains a central pillar of the bilateral relationship. Under the POWERR Asia initiative, discussions included the early implementation of power generation projects fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) involving Japanese companies, Kyodo News reported.
Governments Promote Cooperation in AI and Semiconductor Development
The summit addressed the rapid advancement of digital and emerging technologies. Both governments agreed to promote cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and digital transformation. Japan has pledged to support a Vietnamese initiative to train 100 PhD talents in the field of AI
, according to ASEAN Top.
Academic and research institutions are already moving toward these goals.
These academic ties include research in semiconductors, nanotechnology, robotics, and AI-driven medical diagnostics.
Japan Strengthens Security Ties Through the OSA Framework
Japan intends to strengthen its security relationship with Vietnam through the Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework. This mechanism will facilitate the provision of defense equipment and materials to support Vietnam’s contributions to the international community, Kyodo News reported.
The leaders also exchanged views on the situations in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula. During the meeting, Prime Minister Takaichi raised concerns regarding North Korea’s nuclear and missile development as well as the issue of Japanese citizens being abducted, according to Kyodo News.
Nations Aim to Increase Economic and Cultural Integration
The two nations aim to elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through increased economic integration. To support this, President To Lam suggested building scientist networks in six specific areas: robotics, semiconductor chips, energy technology, biotechnology, high-speed rail, and quantum technology.
To commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Japan and Vietnam agreed to launch the 2027–2028 Japan-Vietnam Tourism Year. This follows a series of cultural efforts, such as the recent staging of the musical Princess Anio
in Kanagawa, which is expected to tour Hanoi next March, according to VOV World.
Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa Yuji noted that plans are also underway to host a Japan-Vietnam sculpture exhibition at the Kanagawa Prefectural Government main building.
Reflecting on the expanding ties, Takaichi stated, I firmly believe that the cooperative relationship between our two countries will achieve a strong leap forward
, while To Lam remarked, It is gratifying to see the development of the cooperative relationship between the two sides in a wide range of fields
, according to Kyodo News.