The United States and Japan signed a landmark rare earths and critical minerals agreement during President Donald Trump’s Tokyo visit, a move seen as part of their broader strategy to counter China’s dominance in the global supply chain.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hailed the meeting as the beginning of a “new golden era” of partnership, calling the Japan-US alliance “the greatest in the world.” The summit produced a series of pacts aimed at deepening defense, trade, and technology cooperation, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

The newly signed framework, titled the United States–Japan Framework for Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths through Mining and Processing, focuses on ensuring the secure and diversified supply of raw materials essential for advanced technologies and industrial development.

According to a White House statement, both countries will intensify efforts to strengthen their supply chains by leveraging financial support mechanisms, strategic stockpiling, and trade measures where needed. The framework also promotes closer dialogue between upstream and downstream companies to enhance cooperation across the mineral supply chain.

“I expressed my determination to restore robust Japanese diplomacy with the Japan-US Alliance as its cornerstone,” said Takaichi, emphasizing her focus on advancing FOIP and bolstering defense ties with Washington.

Trump praised Japan’s role in global stability, calling the alliance “the strongest level of friendship.” He also commended Takaichi for her leadership and for continuing the legacy of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whom he described as a “great friend.”

During his two-day visit, Trump met Emperor Naruhito, the families of Japanese abduction victims, and attended a summit meeting with Takaichi. Tokyo’s landmarks, including Tokyo Tower and Skytree, were illuminated in red, white, and blue to honor his arrival.

The visit marks Trump’s fourth trip to Japan as President and his first since 2019. He is scheduled to travel to South Korea next, after visiting the US naval base near Tokyo aboard Marine One with Takaichi.

According to Kyodo News, additional deals on shipbuilding cooperation, defense manufacturing, and agricultural trade were also finalized. The agreements are expected to strengthen industrial resilience, enhance maritime capabilities, and reduce dependency on China for rare earth materials.

The Takaichi-Trump summit underlines a shared resolve to fortify the Japan-US alliance, expand strategic cooperation, and maintain a rules-based Indo-Pacific order amid growing regional competition.