On Friday, January 16th, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takayama and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a summit in Tokyo, formally announcing the elevation of bilateral relations to a “special strategic partnership.” They pledged to deepen cooperation in areas such as economic security, critical minerals, space, and defense to address the escalating strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
At a joint press conference following the meeting, Prime Minister Takayama emphasized, “As the international community faces complex crises and the strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region becomes increasingly severe, close cooperation among like-minded countries is more important than ever.”
In the realm of economic security, Japan and Italy reached a consensus to establish resilient critical mineral supply chains in response to recent export restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities. China dominates global rare earth production and has repeatedly used it as a geopolitical leverage.
Additionally, the two countries will collaborate in the energy sector, including mutual supply of liquefied natural gas in emergency situations.
Regarding national security, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Italian military will conduct joint training. They will also establish a new consultative mechanism to promote cooperation in the space domain.
Regarding the next-generation fighter aircraft jointly developed by the UK, Japan, and Italy, both sides agreed to accelerate the research and development progress with the goal of deployment by 2035.
Amid China’s expanding military presence in the Indo-Pacific region and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Japan and Italy agreed to deepen defense cooperation, recognizing the close link between security in the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic regions.
This summit marked the first formal meeting between the two conservative female leaders. The interactions during the meeting were warm and cordial, with both leaders not only addressing each other by name but also with Prime Minister Takayama congratulating Prime Minister Meloni on her birthday the day before.
Takayama stated that the meeting made her personally feel that Japan and Italy, as well as the two leaders, can establish a closer relationship.
In 2026, the 160th anniversary of Japan-Italy diplomatic relations, this upgraded partnership is viewed as an important milestone for both countries to jointly maintain regional stability and economic security amid changing political landscapes.