## Japan, US, and Philippines to Collaborate on Strengthening Supply Chain for Critical Minerals
Japan, the United States, and the Philippines are set to cooperate on strengthening the supply chain for critical minerals, including nickel, a key element for fuel cells used in electric vehicles. This agreement will be included in a joint statement issued after a meeting between Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington on April 11th.
While the Philippines holds the title of the world's second-largest nickel producer, China has taken significant strides in processing and refining nickel in developing nations. This upcoming summit, the first of its kind between Tokyo, Washington, and Manila, will focus on national security cooperation, with economic security also expected to be a prominent topic.
The joint statement is anticipated to include wording emphasizing the need for collaboration to secure stable supplies of minerals crucial for manufacturing. As automakers increasingly shift production towards electric vehicles, the demand for nickel is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Both Japan and the United States have previously expressed concerns about their heavy reliance on China for such rare metals.
The May 2023 statement issued during the Group of Seven summit held in Hiroshima highlighted the need to strengthen the supply chain for critical metals. In addition to nickel cooperation, the three leaders will discuss joint development of small nuclear reactors for the Philippines, alongside the construction of high-speed communication networks and other support initiatives to improve Manila's distribution infrastructure.
Fostering personnel skilled in semiconductor manufacturing is another potential agenda item. On the security front, the three nations are planning joint training exercises for this year, keeping a watchful eye on China's maritime advancements in the South China Sea.
Since assuming office in June 2022, Marcos has emphasized strengthening ties with the United States. Similarly, Biden seeks to demonstrate closer cooperation with Japan and the Philippines, mirroring his approach during the August 2023 trilateral summit with Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol.