Story perspectives

Japan, U.S. Team Up on Rare Earths to Diminish China's Grip

3/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she will discuss joint deep-sea rare earths development with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Japan recently retrieved sediment with rare earths from depths near Minamitorishima.
Japan and the United States aim to reduce reliance on China for these minerals.
The United States formed a minerals partnership with the European Union and Japan to counter China's dominance after China imposed export restrictions on dual-use items to Japan.

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Story summary

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she will discuss joint deep-sea rare earths development with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Japan recently retrieved sediment with rare earths from depths near Minamitorishima.
Japan and the United States aim to reduce reliance on China for these minerals.
The United States formed a minerals partnership with the European Union and Japan to counter China's dominance after China imposed export restrictions on dual-use items to Japan.