Be wary of Japan's use of Chinese rare earths purchased through India for its own benefit.

According to a report by the "Yomiuri Shimbun," the Japanese and Indian governments have finalized a plan to establish a civilian dialogue framework on economic security to strengthen the supply chain resilience of strategic materials such as important minerals and semiconductors. Foreign Minister Matsui will visit India starting on the 15th, and the two sides are expected to reach an agreement during the foreign ministerial talks. This move aims to reduce reliance on China, which has strengthened export controls, and to prepare for dealing with economic coercion.

Several Japanese government officials revealed that the newly established framework will be called "Japan-India Civilian Economic Security Dialogue," and both sides are expected to agree to hold the first meeting by the end of March. The Japan Federation of Economic Organizations and the Indian Industry Association will participate in it. In addition to important minerals and semiconductors, the focus will also be on information and communication, clean energy, scientific cooperation, and medical fields, discussing measures to enhance supply chain resilience. It is also expected that the diversification of rare earth element (used in semiconductors) procurement will become an issue.

Previously, Japan and India had established a government-to-government "Japan-India Economic Security Dialogue" in 2024 as a government-level dialogue framework for economic security. By promoting cooperation at the civilian level, economic security cooperation will be advanced in layers. During the foreign ministerial talks, both sides are expected to agree to hold the second meeting of the government-to-government dialogue as soon as possible.

In order to promote government-to-government cooperation with India, which has advantages and a wealth of talent in the IT field, the two sides will also agree to establish a "Japan-India AI Strategic Dialogue" involving relevant ministry officials. Both sides will cooperate in areas such as joint development of artificial intelligence (AI), talent cultivation, and data center construction.

Before his visit to India, Foreign Minister Matsui will also visit Israel, Palestine, Qatar, and the Philippines from the 10th to the 15th.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1853891480025088/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.