TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Wednesday that Japan and the United States plan to strengthen cooperation to develop rare-earth resources near Minamitorishima, a remote Pacific island, as both nations aim to reduce their dependence on China for critical minerals.
Speaking in parliament, Takaichi confirmed that the issue would be discussed during her upcoming summit with US President Donald Trump this week. “The rare earths in waters around Minamitorishima are one of the targets of this effort,” she said, adding that both sides would examine “what such cooperation should look like.”
The announcement follows a successful Japanese test mission last month that retrieved sediment rich in rare earth elements from depths of approximately 6,000 meters. The operation was carried out by the deep-sea drilling boat called Chikyu, which departed in January to explore the mineral-rich seabed surrounding the island.
Rare earth elements, a group of 17 metals essential for technologies ranging from electric vehicles to hard drives, have become a focal point of geopolitical competition. Japan, the United States, and their allies have been accelerating efforts to secure alternative supply chains amid concerns over China’s dominance in the sector.
Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have intensified in recent months. China recently restricted exports of certain “dual-use” goods to Japan following remarks by Takaichi suggesting Tokyo could respond militarily in the event of a crisis involving Taiwan.
The move has heightened fears in Japan that China could leverage its control over rare earth supplies to exert strategic pressure.
China has long used its dominance in rare earths to exert geopolitical leverage, including during its trade war with Trump.
The United States last month unveiled a critical-minerals partnership with the European Union and Japan, following a gathering in Washington amid growing concerns about China's dominant role in the sector.
