Japan and Australia agree to deepen cooperation on energy, defense and critical minerals - AP News
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- Japan signed multiple agreements with Australia covering energy, defence and critical minerals, pledging joint projects and supply‑chain security.
- Australia committed to deepen defence cooperation with Japan, including joint exercises and technology sharing, as part of its rapid military expansion.
- Iran's war‑driven oil crisis is hitting Asia Pacific markets, prompting Japan to accelerate energy diversification and secure critical mineral supplies.
Why it matters: Japan’s industry and Australia’s mining sector each stand to gain $5 billion in new contracts, while China loses a foothold in critical‑mineral supply chains; the pact also strengthens regional security against supply shocks.
