Overview
- Japan and Australia signed the Australia‑Japan Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation, committing both to coordinate against economic coercion and to strengthen supply chains.
- Canberra pledged up to A$1.3 billion for critical minerals projects with Japanese partners to develop nickel, graphite and rare earths used in batteries, turbines and electronics.
- The leaders also expanded defense cooperation, including plans for more Japanese weapons testing in Australia and a deepening warship program worth about US$6.5 billion.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has eased long‑standing limits on Japanese arms exports and pledged US$10 billion to help Southeast Asian countries manage higher oil costs from the Iran war.
- Analysts describe the moves as Japan positioning itself as a steady partner as concern grows over China’s economic pressure and President Trump’s volatile policy, with follow‑up financing and procurement steps now expected.