Japan PM Takaichi Targets Rare Earth Security and Maritime Safety in Planned Australia Visit

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi plans a 2026 visit to Australia to secure rare earth supply chains and discuss safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid global tensions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 11:59 AM EDT

Source: https://www.mining.com/

Diversifying the Global Rare Earth Supply Chain

Japan's strategic outreach to Australia is part of a broader "China-plus-one" strategy shared by several Western governments. Rare earth elements are indispensable for the manufacturing of electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and advanced defense systems. Because China currently controls the vast majority of the world's processing capacity, Tokyo is aggressively pursuing alternatives. This planned visit comes immediately after Japan signed a landmark rare earths agreement with France, signaling an acceleration in Tokyo's mineral diplomacy.

Strategic Maritime Cooperation: The Strait of Hormuz

Beyond minerals, the meeting between Takaichi and Australian leaders will address escalating maritime risks. The two nations are expected to discuss cooperation on safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments. This discussion is particularly timely as energy markets have been upended by the 2026 conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Ensuring stable energy routes is a primary national security concern for Japan, which remains heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy imports.

Australia as the "Green Minerals" Powerhouse

Australia is rapidly becoming the preferred partner for nations looking to bypass Chinese supply chains. Recent activity underscores this shift: