Shared concerns about trade coercion and energy shocks are driving the two middle powers to ‘institutionalise’ their partnership

The centrepiece of her three-day visit was the Australia-Japan Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation, which commits both governments to coordinating responses to economic coercion: a provision analysts say is aimed squarely at Beijing and Washington alike.

Under the agreement, Canberra has committed up to A$1.3 billion (US$935.8 million) in support for critical minerals projects with Japanese involvement, potentially supplying resources including nickel, graphite and rare earths to Tokyo.

“Australia and Japan are taking action to protect our economies from future economic shocks and uncertainty,” Albanese said in a statement.

“By working together, we will achieve more secure and resilient supply chains that will benefit Australian and Japanese businesses and consumers now and into the future.”

Source: News - South China Morning Post