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 part of a joint statement issued after a meeting between Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, US President Joe Biden, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington on April 11th.
The Philippines is the world's second-largest producer of nickel, but China has dominated the processing and refining of nickel in developing nations. This collaboration aims to address the growing demand for nickel as automakers shift production towards electric vehicles. Japan and the United States have previously expressed concerns about their dependence on China for such critical minerals.
The joint statement is also expected to include discussions on joint development of small nuclear reactors for the Philippines, building high-speed communication networks, and fostering personnel needed for semiconductor manufacturing.
On the security front, the three nations are planning joint training exercises for this year in response to China's maritime advances in the South China Sea. President Marcos has emphasized stronger ties with the United States since taking office in June 2022. President Biden is also seeking to strengthen cooperation with Japan and the Philippines, similar to the trilateral summit he hosted with Prime Minister Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in August 2023.