In a move to counter China’s dominance in strategic resources, US President Donald Trump and Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed a landmark agreement to secure the supply chain for rare earths, signaling a renewed push for economic and security cooperation.
The deal, inked during Trump’s second stop on his Asia tour, establishes a framework for the two allies to jointly work on mining, processing, and investing in rare earths and other critical minerals. This comes directly in response to China’s recent decision to tighten export controls on these materials, which are vital for everything from electric vehicles to advanced weaponry.
A White House statement outlined the pact’s goal to “assist both countries in achieving resilience and security of critical minerals and rare earths supply chains,” using coordinated policies to develop diversified and fair markets.
The meeting, which began with a casual moment watching Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani, was marked by warm personal rapport and strong strategic alignment. Prime Minister Takaichi opened formal talks by expressing her ambition to “realize a new golden age of the Japan-US alliance, where both Japan and the United States will become stronger and also more prosperous.”
In a significant gesture, the White House revealed that Takaichi intends to nominate President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in securing ceasefires in Gaza and between Thailand and Cambodia.
The leaders also paid tribute to Japan’s late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom Trump called a “great friend,” while noting Abe had spoken highly of Takaichi before her rise to power.
Behind closed doors, discussions focused heavily on trade and regional security. The new rare earths pact was reaffirmed in a joint statement as a crucial step toward “strengthening economic security, promoting economic growth, and contributing to global prosperity.” Trump also welcomed Japan’s decision to purchase more U.S.-made military equipment.
Congratulating Takaichi on becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, Trump predicted she would become “one of the country’s greatest prime ministers.”
“Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said. “You’re going to do a fantastic job, and we’re going to have a fantastic relationship.”
Source: Agencies (edited and translated by Al-Manar English Website)
