Canberra [Australia], May 4 (ANI): In a strategic move to counter China’s grip on global resources, the leaders of Japan and Australia on Monday pledged to intensify their partnership to secure consistent supplies of energy and critical minerals.
According to Kyodo News, the agreement comes as the ongoing Middle East conflict and Beijing’s dominance in the rare earth sector pose significant risks to economic stability.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, met in Canberra to strengthen ties across multiple sectors. Beyond resources, the two leaders confirmed their intention to deepen collaboration in cybersecurity and national defense.
The summit yielded five key outcome documents, highlighted by a joint declaration on economic security. The agreement focuses on building “resilient supply chains” for energy, food, and rare earths, materials essential for manufacturing semiconductors and electric vehicles.
Kyodo News noted the geopolitical stakes, reporting that China currently mines roughly 70 percent of the world’s rare earths and handles nearly 90 percent of their refinement. While Australia is a significant producer, Japan remains heavily dependent on Chinese imports.
The situation has grown more precarious since Beijing implemented stricter export controls on dual-use items earlier this year. These restrictions are widely viewed as a retaliatory move following Takaichi’s November statement that Japan could potentially deploy its Self-Defense Forces to assist the United States in the event of an attack on Taiwan.
Energy security also dominated the agenda. The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which began in late February, has significantly disrupted global oil transit and driven up prices.
For Japan, which relies heavily on imported petroleum, these disruptions present a major challenge. Australia serves as Japan’s primary source of liquefied natural gas; however, the relationship is reciprocal in its vulnerabilities.
Kyodo News reported that Australia is also dependent on petroleum imports from Asian countries that process Middle Eastern crude, following the closure of several domestic refineries over the past few decades.
Security ties between the two U.S. allies have accelerated alongside shared concerns over China’s naval assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. A reciprocal access agreement implemented in 2023 has already enabled more efficient troop movements and joint military exercises.
Adding to this momentum, Kyodo News reported that the two nations recently finalized contracts to provide the Australian Navy with its first three stealth frigates, modeled after Japan’s advanced Mogami-class vessels.
The visit marks a milestone for Takaichi, who assumed office in October, as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the basic treaty of friendship between the two nations. Her five-day diplomatic tour, which began on Friday, also included a stop in Vietnam. (ANI)
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