TOKYO: Japan, the United States, and the Philippines are considering cooperating in strengthening supply chains for key minerals, including nickel, to counter China’s economic coercion, Japanese government officials said Wednesday.

Collaboration among the three countries on mineral supply chains is expected to be spelled out in a joint statement to be issued after a summit of Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio, U.S. President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington on April 11.

The Philippines is the second-largest producer after Indonesia of nickel, a key material used in electric vehicle batteries. Japan, the United States, and the Philippines will work together to thwart China’s efforts to secure nickel in Southeast Asia.

There is also a proposal to strengthen supply chains by utilizing a network of like-minded countries, including major European countries and Australia. “Diversification is important for supply chains,” a Japanese government official said.

The Japanese, U.S. and Philippine leaders are also expected to commit to maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law as part of efforts to promote security cooperation among the three countries.

The Japanese government is considering participation by the Maritime Self-Defense Force in surveillance activities and joint exercises by the U.S. and Philippine navies. The Japanese, U.S. and Philippine coast guards conducted their first joint exercises in the South China Sea in June last year.

Security cooperation among Japan, the United States, and the Philippines is aimed at deterring China, as tensions have been rising between Beijing and Manila over territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Japanese and U.S. officials think that stronger security cooperation with the Philippines is important for responding to a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

JIJI Press