Japan, US, and Philippines to Strengthen Supply Chain for Electric Vehicle Minerals
Japan, the United States, and the Philippines are set to collaborate on strengthening the supply chain for critical minerals, particularly nickel, a key component for electric vehicle fuel cells. This agreement will be formalized in a joint statement following a meeting between Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, US President Joe Biden, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington on April 11th.
Despite being the world's second-largest nickel producer, the Philippines faces competition from China, which dominates the processing and refining of nickel in developing nations. This trilateral summit aims to address this challenge and ensure a stable supply of minerals crucial for manufacturing electric vehicles.
The joint statement is expected to emphasize the need for cooperation in securing these minerals, echoing concerns previously raised by Japan and the US regarding their dependence on China for rare metals. This initiative builds upon the G7 summit held in Hiroshima in May 2023, which also highlighted the importance of strengthening the supply chain for critical metals.
Beyond nickel, the leaders will discuss joint development of small nuclear reactors for the Philippines, infrastructure improvements, and fostering talent for semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, they will address security concerns, including joint training exercises to counter China's maritime advancements in the South China Sea.
This collaboration signifies a strengthening of ties between the Philippines and the US under President Marcos, who has emphasized closer relations with Washington since taking office in June 2022. President Biden, in turn, seeks to bolster cooperation with Japan and the Philippines, similar to his trilateral summit with South Korea in August 2023.