Trump and Japan sign framework to secure critical minerals

U.S. President Donald Trump and Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, met in Tokyo on Tuesday and signed a framework agreement to strengthen cooperation on rare earths and other critical minerals while pledging to deepen security and economic ties between the two countries. The leaders described the moves as a renewal of the Japan‑U.S. alliance and unveiled plans for joint projects and investment that officials said are aimed at reducing reliance on single suppliers and countering strategic vulnerabilities in the Indo Pacific.

The centerpiece of the meeting at the Akasaka Palace was an agreement to cooperate on securing supplies of critical minerals and rare earths used in technologies ranging from electric vehicles to fighter jets. The White House said the pact will guide joint efforts to identify projects, address supply‑chain gaps, and support production of derivative products such as permanent magnets, batteries, catalysts and optical materials. Officials also described near‑term lists of energy, artificial intelligence and industrial projects in which Japanese firms are considering significant investment in the United States.

Trump praised Takaichi and framed the...