Trump signs agreement in Japan to secure rare earth supplies

TokyoUS President Donald Trump has raised the bilateral relationship with Japan to the "highest level" after signing this Tuesday with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a framework agreement to secure supplies of rare earths and critical minerals, key components for technology industries and in whose supply China maintains a near-monopoly. At the same time, Takaichi announced the acceleration of defense spending to 2% of GDP two years ahead of the previous schedule, a measure welcomed by the US delegation.

The Prime Minister's "seduction operation," combining symbolic gestures and economic messages, has been very marked: Takaichi has given Trump, who is touring Asia this week, with memories linked to the political legacy of Shinzo Abe (among them the putter Abe), a golden golf ball and a cover signed by Gulf star Hideki Matsuyama, and announced the donation of 250 cherry trees to Washington parks to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence next year. During the working lunch – during which the premier has assured that he will propose him for the Nobel Peace Prize– American rice was served, in a symbolic gesture of trade that accompanies Tokyo's desire to increase purchases and investments with the US.

After the meeting at the Akasaka Palace, the delegation traveled to the Yokosuka naval base, in southern Tokyo, where Trump visited the frigate USS George Washington and addressed the troops stationed at the base. In her speech to the garrison, she described the bond between the two countries as "the foundation of peace and security in the Pacific" and emphasized that the alliance "is one of the most remarkable relationships in the world."

"A Winning Woman"

When the prime minister, who had arrived on Marine One accompanying Trump, took the stage, Trump praised her, saying that "she's a winning woman" and acknowledged, "We've become very good friends right away," thus marking the beginning of a courtship between the two countries. Takaichi, through an interpreter, addressed the American troops in an unprecedented gesture and reaffirmed his commitment to fundamentally strengthening Japan's defensive capabilities. He also emphasized his willingness to "contribute even more actively to regional peace and stability," with the aim of further elevating an alliance that, in his opinion, is already "the largest in the world."

At a dinner with business leaders, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced commitments of up to $490 billion from several Japanese companies, with projects focused on nuclear energy, semiconductors, and AI infrastructure. The Trump administration attributes some of these investments to the success of tariff policies and presents its announcements as tangible proof of the strengthened alliance between the two countries, although many figures reflect preliminary commitments before becoming firm investments.

For Takaichi, Trump's blessing not only crowns her in domestic popularity polls but also gives her a free hand to implement her agenda of increased defense spending and changing the pacifist spirit of the Japanese Constitution.