The EU and Japan plan to jointly mine rare earths, deepening economic and security cooperation.

The EU Leaders Visit Japan, Hopes to Jointly Mine Rare Earths

Reuters Tokyo: On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters that the EU and Japan will cooperate more closely to deal with economic coercion and unfair trade practices. EU Foreign and Security Policy High Representative Kallas discussed the "Defense Industry Cooperation" dialogue framework with the Japanese Minister of Defense.

Nikkei News: On July 23, European Commission President von der Leyen and European Council President Costa met with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Sho in Tokyo. Both sides reached a consensus on economic security and promoting free trade cooperation.

During her visit to Japan from July 22-23, von der Leyen gave a written interview to Nikkei News. She stated that the EU will establish a "Competitiveness Alliance" relationship with Japan, aiming to jointly mine rare earths.

She said that "there is broad prospects for joint mining of rare earths," and added that they would look for investment opportunities with Japan throughout Europe.

The Nikkei News report stated that the EU is seeking rare earth mining opportunities in Greenland and Africa. Japan can participate through cooperation with the EU.

European Commission President von der Leyen also called on Japan and the EU to work together to "set global rules on trade and technology." Under the newly established competitiveness alliance framework, they will improve the supply chains for important raw materials, batteries, and semiconductors.

The EU and Japan will establish an "economic version of 2+2" consultation framework involving economic and foreign ministers, and finalize relevant projects after the summer of 2025.

Defense Industry Cooperation

According to Kyodo News, EU Foreign and Security Policy High Representative Kallas met with Japanese Defense Minister Nakagawa Gen in Tokyo on the 23rd.

Nakagawa cited the indivisibility of security in the Indo-Pacific and Europe, stating that "Japan is willing to deepen cooperation with the EU in the field of security to maintain and strengthen the international order."

Kallas introduced the plan to set up a "Defense Industry Cooperation Dialogue" framework between the EU and Japan, and said she was "very pleased."

The Japanese Defense Minister also emphasized that Japan and the EU are "important partners sharing basic values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law."

EU Foreign and Security Policy High Representative Kallas mentioned the Ukraine conflict and the increasing instability in the Indo-Pacific region, and called for advancing bilateral cooperation.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838485021413387/

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