March 6, 2026 • Tokyo, Japan
MIDDLE POWER STRATEGY: Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Takaichi Forge Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to Counter Indo-Pacific Threats - Full Infograph Inside
Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae in Tokyo, announcing the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The new roadmap will guide cooperation on defence, economic security, and energy, as the two nations confront an increasingly challenging regional security environment.
📝 SMikhail
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$40 Billion
Annual Bilateral Trade
The leaders reaffirmed their strong economic ties, underscored by nearly $40 billion in two-way trade.
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Shared Priorities in New Roadmap
The Canada-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Roadmap establishes six pillars for future cooperation.
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New Coast Guard MOUs
Three memorandums of cooperation were discussed to enhance joint patrols and crisis response between coast guards.
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2016
South China Sea Ruling Reaffirmed
The leaders reiterated that the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and legally binding.
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New Bilateral Dialogues
Agreement to launch new dialogues on Cyber Policy and Economic Security, with the first meetings to be held in 2026.
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2028
Centennial of Relations
The two nations will continue to work closely toward the 100th anniversary of bilateral relations.
- Leaders announced the establishment of a Canada-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- A new Comprehensive Strategic Roadmap will guide cooperation on six shared priorities: Enhanced Security and Defence Cooperation; Economic Security, Supply Chains, and Technological Resilience; Trade and Investment; Energy Security and Food Security; Arctic, Environment and Climate Cooperation; and People‑to‑People, Academic, and Cultural Exchanges.
- The roadmap builds on the 2021 Shared Priorities and the 2022 Canada-Japan Action Plan for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Foreign ministers will coordinate across ministries and oversee work under the Roadmap.
- Welcomed the entry into force of the Security of Information Agreement and the signing of the defence Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement.
- Agreed to build upon the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) to enable more complex engagement between forces.
- Instructed officials to establish a bilateral Cyber Policy Dialogue to address growing cyber threats.
- Opportunities discussed to expand military cooperation on dual-use technologies, AI, autonomous systems, aerospace, and space communications.
- Discussed three bilateral Memorandums of Cooperation for: crisis response to assist and evacuate nationals; joint patrol coordination and enforcement against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the North Pacific; and information sharing and joint exercises between the Canadian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard.
- Strongly oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
- Reiterated that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and legally binding.
- Instructed officials to launch a new bilateral Economic Security Dialogue, with a first meeting to be held in 2026.
- Commitment to strengthen economic security coordination, economic resilience, and supply chain cooperation.
- Support for rules-based trade and expansion of the trade and investment partnership, including through the Japan-Canada Chambers Council and a Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan.
- Keidanren will conduct a return visit to Canada.
- Underscored potential for expanded trade and cooperation on energy projects, including LNG, LPG, nuclear technologies, hydrogen, and carbon capture.
- Energy Security and Food Security, as well as Arctic, Environment and Climate Cooperation, are formal pillars of the new Comprehensive Strategic Roadmap.
- Expressed deep concern over North Korea's unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs, malicious cyber activities including cryptocurrency thefts, and increasing military cooperation with Russia.
- Reaffirmed commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
- Urged North Korea to resolve the abductions issue immediately.
- Encourage peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through constructive dialogue.
- Committed to a just, lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East based on a two-state solution.
- Reaffirmed support for Ukraine's sovereignty and determination to achieve a just and lasting peace.
- People‑to‑people, academic, and cultural exchanges are a formal priority in the new Roadmap.
- Prime Minister Carney invited Prime Minister Takaichi to visit Canada.
- Leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
KEY QUOTES
"The international community stands at a turning point in history. Amidst a changing regional security environment, we renew our commitment to working together to address key challenges and pursue shared strategic interests." — Joint Statement by Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Takaichi
"Japan is a trusted partner and a global leader in innovation, technology, and advanced manufacturing. Together, we are strengthening our economic security, securing resilient supply chains in critical minerals and clean energy, and deepening security and defence cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. By expanding and modernising our partnership, we are creating long-term opportunities for our workers and building a more secure and resilient future for both countries." — Prime Minister Mark Carney
Canada
Japan
Carney
Takaichi Sanae
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Indo-Pacific
Defence
Security
Cyber Policy Dialogue
Economic Security Dialogue
Trade
Investment
Energy Security
LNG
LPG
Nuclear
Hydrogen
Carbon Capture
Critical Minerals
Arctic
Climate Change
South China Sea
East China Sea
UNCLOS
North Korea
Denuclearization
Russia
Ukraine
Two-State Solution
Coast Guard
ACSA
Defence Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement
Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty
G7
UN
2026
Tokyo