Japan-France Summit: Prevent Collapse of Intl Order through Cooperation with Like-minded Countries

Editorial

16:16 JST, April 4, 2026

As the United States, once a major guardian of the international order, has turned its back on the rule of law, the world is shifting toward an era where military strength justifies any action.

To restore the international order, it is important for like-minded countries that share common values, such as Japan and European nations, to strengthen their multilateral cooperation frameworks further. They should also deepen cooperation with emerging countries that have shown remarkable economic growth.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held talks for about two hours, which included a working dinner, with French President Emmanuel Macron who was visiting Japan.

The two leaders affirmed their stance to continue close communication toward a stable supply of crude oil and other commodities — which has become increasingly precarious since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran — as well as to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

France holds the Group of Seven presidency this year. Macron’s visit to Japan is believed to have been aimed at aligning views with Japan on issues such as the situation in the Middle East ahead of the G7 summit in June.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration at not being able to secure cooperation from France and other European nations for the U.S. military operation against Iran. It appears that these European nations want to distance themselves from the United States, which has launched attacks over which suspicions of violations of international law cannot be dispelled.

However, a situation must be avoided where the rift between the United States and Europe widens further. By leveraging its close alliance with the United States, Japan should persistently insist that multilateral cooperation involving the United States ultimately serves U.S. interests.

Following their summit, Takaichi and Macron issued a joint statement specifying plans for Japan and France to cooperate in procuring critical minerals, among other matters. The statement also included the two countries’ plan to promote cooperation between the member states of the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

China has been using export restrictions on critical minerals as a tool for economic coercion. The United States has resorted to tariffs to protect its own economy. With the free trade system being shaken as a result, it is timely for the EU and CPTPP members to coordinate their efforts.

Since the start of this year, the leaders of Italy, Britain and Canada, which are G7 member states, have also visited Japan. Shortly before Macron’s visit, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto also visited Japan and confirmed cooperation in areas such as economic security during a summit with Takaichi.

Both Europe and Southeast Asia likely recognize that cooperation from Japan — the only G7 country in Asia — is indispensable for restoring harmony within the international community.

Japan must actively contribute to restoring peace and order without merely remaining in the position of a beneficiary of the free trade system.

 (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 4, 2026)