Japan, Australia Show Concerns over Export Restrictions

Canberra, May 4 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, on Monday expressed “strong concerns” over export restrictions on key minerals, with China’s economic coercion in mind. “We express our strong concerns over all forms of economic coercion, and the use of nonmarket policies and practices that are leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions, as well as export restrictions, particularly on critical minerals, that could have a significant negative impact on global supply chains,” the two leaders said in a joint declaration on economic security cooperation. At their meeting in the Australian capital of Canberra, Takaichi and Albanese agreed to further enhance the bilateral “quasi-alliance” relationship to address China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region backed by its military and economic power. “The Japan-Australia ties over the next 50 years will be even more powerful and have a stronger driving force than in the previous 50 years,” Takaichi told a joint press conference after the meeting. Albanese highlighted the two countries’ close cooperation to advance their common interest in ensuring a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. In response to China’s rise, Japan and Australia have concluded an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement for mutual provision of fuel and ammunition between their troops, and a reciprocal access agreement to facilitate troop travel between the two countries. “Japan and Australia are front-runners in cooperation among like-minded countries,” Takaichi said. In the joint declaration, the two leaders underscored their countries’ commitment to “sharing information and consulting with each other on economic security contingencies.” Describing resilient supply chains as “central to our economic security,” the statement said that the two countries will work together to secure key goods, such as important minerals and food. Japan and Australia also released joint documents on cooperation in such areas as critical minerals, energy security, defense and security, and cybersecurity. In the statement on critical minerals, the two leaders called the resources “a core pillar” of their countries’ economic security relationship, listing six projects that are given priority to diversify supply chains. The statement on energy included their pledge to “support the flow of essential energy goods, including liquefied natural gas, coal and liquid fuels between our two countries.” In the statement on defense, the two leaders confirmed joint development of frigates for the Australian navy based on Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class frigate, as well as stronger collaboration on advanced weapons, emerging technologies and intelligence. At the joint press conference, Takaichi said that the two leaders agreed to instruct their respective ministers to consider “concrete measures to further elevate and institutionalize the comprehensive security cooperation, including economic security.” Regarding the situation in Iran, the two leaders agreed to “communicate closely and respond with heightened alertness” as the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has had a tremendous impact on the Indo-Pacific region, Takaichi added. Albanese invited Takaichi to Australia, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ signing of a basic treaty of friendship and cooperation. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]