US President Donald Trump and the new Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, signed a framework agreement on Tuesday in Tokyo to secure supplies of critical minerals and rare earth metals. According to the White House announcement, The US and Japan will “intensify cooperation, to accelerate securing supplies of critical minerals and rare earth metals through coordinated investment and the use of economic policy tools.
As the BBC reminds, the agreement refers to previous agreements concluded by long-time allies earlier this year, which concerned strategic investments and shared national interests.
Today's documents said both leaders “noted with satisfaction the rapid and sustained efforts of both countries and reaffirmed their strong commitment to implementing this great agreement.” Trump and Takaichi also spoke with relevant ministers and secretaries to “take further steps toward… a new golden era of the ever-expanding U.S.-Japan alliance.
Agreement between the USA and Japan
It was agreed to simplify the issuance of permits for mining and processing and jointly counteract “unfair commercial practices”. Both countries will also consider creating complementary strategic stockpiles.
The agreement is a direct response to the export restrictions China, controlling over 90 percent global processing of rare earth metals, introduced these raw materials. These rare earth minerals are essential in modern technologies, from electric vehicles to advanced defense systems.
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What agreements have the US and Japan signed?
What does Donald Trump think about Prime Minister Takaichi?
What plans does Donald Trump have for the rest of his visit to Japan?
What is the importance of rare earth minerals in modern technologies?
At the beginning of September, the two countries reached an agreement that limits American tariffs to 15 percent. for imports from Japan, including cars. At the same time, it calls on Japan to invest USD 550 billion. in strategic sectors of the United States economy, including semiconductor production, mining of critical minerals, energy, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals and the development of artificial intelligence.
Trump praised the first woman prime minister of Japan
According to media reports, President Trump did not spare words of praise for the new Prime Minister of Japan, a conservative and political heir of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot during an election rally in July 2022. – All I know from Shinzo and the others is that you will be one of the great heads of the government. I'm not surprised to see you become prime minister, Donald Trump said.
Signing documents on a “new golden age” of bilateral relations and cooperation in precious minerals, Trump said Japan is a “highest-level ally” for the United States. Then said that Takaichi is “one of the greatest prime ministers”, acknowledging the importance of her victory and calling it a “big deal” for Japan to have a woman leader.
Prime Minister Takaichi, who took office a week ago, expressed appreciation to the American president for his “dynamic diplomacy” and efforts for peace, noting the agreement between Thailand and Cambodia and the “unprecedented historical achievement” of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
— In such a short time, the world began to enjoy greater peace. I myself am so impressed and you inspire me, Mr. President – said Takaichi, who wants to strengthen ties with Washington amid growing pressure from China. After the meeting of both leaders, the White House announced that the Prime Minister of Japan intends to nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Prime Minister Takaichi also announced the donation of 250 Japanese cherry seedlings on the occasion of next year's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
What are Donald Trump's future plans?
As reported by the Kyodo agency, Donald Trump also met with the families of Japanese people abducted to North Korea several decades ago. The American leader promised to solve the problem.
Trump and Takaichi on Tuesday they will visit the American naval base in Yokosuka near Tokyo, where the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, which is part of the US armed forces in the region, is stationed. President Trump will then meet with business leaders in Tokyo.
Donald Trump's visit to Japan is part of his trip to Asian countries. On Wednesday, the US president will travel to South Korea. On Thursday, Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Community summit in South Korea. According to experts, it may be crucial to ending the tariff war between the world's two largest economies.
