Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S
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Summary
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to meet in Washington on Thursday, March 18, to discuss and agree on joint development of critical minerals, including rare earths, lithium, and copper. The agreement will involve Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi Materials and Mitsui participating in mining projects. This follows Japan's recent success in retrieving rare-earth-rich sediment from depths of 6,000 meters near Minamitorishima island in the Pacific. The initiative aims to reduce both countries' dependence on China for these essential resources, which are vital for technologies like electric vehicles and defense systems.
★ Why It Matters
This agreement strengthens U.S.-Japan economic and strategic cooperation, diversifies critical mineral supply chains away from China, and supports technological and defense industries by securing essential raw materials.