WASHINGTON: Japan and the United States have agreed to reinforce cooperation in five areas with regard to economic security, including the establishment of secure supply chains, the US government said Tuesday.

The agreement was reached at a meeting held in Tokyo the same day between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to the US Department of State.

The agreement is aimed at reducing the two countries’ dependence on China for supplies of key items such as semiconductors and rare earths, in line with an executive order signed last month by US President Joe Biden.

In a document titled “the United States and Japan Expand Indo-Pacific Economic Cooperation,” the department said deepening bilateral economic cooperation is “a key priority” for both governments.

As priority areas for stronger cooperation, it cited climate change, clean energy, cybersecurity, supply chains and response to COVID-19, indicating the two countries’ determination to counter China, which has strong influence over the five areas.

In view of the presidential executive order to review supply chains for such items as semiconductors and mineral resources, Japan and the United States will “explore ways to engage with industry and to expand future regional cooperation,” the document said.

On climate change, the two countries will enhance cooperation in the lead-up to the April 22 Climate Summit to be hosted by the United States and work toward their goals of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to the document.

JIJI Press