Japan-Australia Issue Joint Declaration on Economic Security, Strengthening Energy and Rare Earth Supply Chains
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a joint declaration on economic security cooperation, agreeing to strengthen supply chains for energy, rare earths, and food. Concerns were also raised about export controls that could disrupt supply chains, implicitly referring to China.
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- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 18:38
- 🔍 Collected: May 4, 2026 at 19:01 (22 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 4, 2026 at 19:14 (13 min after Collected)
Tokyo, May 4 (CNA) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra today, issuing a joint declaration on economic security cooperation. The declaration focuses on strengthening supply chains for important minerals like energy and rare earths, as well as food, and expresses concern over export controls that could disrupt supply chains. This highlights the deepening cooperation between Japan and Australia amid rising geopolitical risks.
This visit marks the first time a Japanese Prime Minister has visited Australia in about three and a half years since Fumio Kishida’s visit in October 2022. The Japanese government positions Australia as a “quasi-ally,” hoping to maintain regional stability by strengthening Japan-Australia cooperation as China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region expands.
FNN and TBS Television reported that the joint declaration states both sides will jointly promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and enhance coordination and cooperation in the fields of energy, rare earths, and other critical minerals, as well as food.
The statement also expressed “strong concern” over export restrictions that could have a significant negative impact on supply chains, which is seen as a reference to China’s recent use of resources like rare earths to increase economic pressure.
The declaration also emphasized that when countries adopt export control measures, they should adhere to international law and international practices to avoid unnecessary impacts on global supply chains.
Regarding energy cooperation, both sides issued a joint statement on energy security cooperation. Japan currently relies on Australia for about 70% of its coal and about 40% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG), with Australia being its largest source of LNG. Australia, in turn, imports products like light oil from Japan. The two countries affirmed their support for the stable circulation of LNG, coal, and liquid fuels, and agreed to cooperate in addressing unfair export restrictions.
In addition, Takaichi also mentioned the situation in the Middle East during the post-meeting press conference, pointing out that both sides have maintained close communication regarding the potential substantive blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and will continue to monitor the situation with high vigilance. (Editor: Tang Sheng-yang) 1150504
This visit marks the first time a Japanese Prime Minister has visited Australia in about three and a half years since Fumio Kishida’s visit in October 2022. The Japanese government positions Australia as a “quasi-ally,” hoping to maintain regional stability by strengthening Japan-Australia cooperation as China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region expands.
FNN and TBS Television reported that the joint declaration states both sides will jointly promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and enhance coordination and cooperation in the fields of energy, rare earths, and other critical minerals, as well as food.
The statement also expressed “strong concern” over export restrictions that could have a significant negative impact on supply chains, which is seen as a reference to China’s recent use of resources like rare earths to increase economic pressure.
The declaration also emphasized that when countries adopt export control measures, they should adhere to international law and international practices to avoid unnecessary impacts on global supply chains.
Regarding energy cooperation, both sides issued a joint statement on energy security cooperation. Japan currently relies on Australia for about 70% of its coal and about 40% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG), with Australia being its largest source of LNG. Australia, in turn, imports products like light oil from Japan. The two countries affirmed their support for the stable circulation of LNG, coal, and liquid fuels, and agreed to cooperate in addressing unfair export restrictions.
In addition, Takaichi also mentioned the situation in the Middle East during the post-meeting press conference, pointing out that both sides have maintained close communication regarding the potential substantive blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and will continue to monitor the situation with high vigilance. (Editor: Tang Sheng-yang) 1150504