U.S. and Japan Issue Joint Statement on Seabed Mineral Resource Development
The U.S. Department of State on November 12 released a joint statement by the governments of the United States and Japan, issued on the occasion of a visit to Japan by a U.S. interagency delegation focused on seabed minerals development. The two governments reaffirmed that economic security cooperation is an indispensable part of the U.S.-Japan Alliance and that secure, resilient and diversified critical mineral supply chains are essential to the prosperity and national security of both countries. They recognized the potential for responsible seabed mineral resource development to diversify critical mineral supplies, create new commercial opportunities and support both countries' industrial bases.
The statement said the cooperation builds on the shared objectives of the United States-Japan Framework for Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths through Mining and Processing, signed by President Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi in October 2025, and is being advanced through bilateral initiatives including the Memorandum of Cooperation between the U.S. Department of Commerce and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry signed in March 2026. The two governments welcomed progress under the memorandum, including the second meeting of the U.S.-Japan Working Group on November 11 and 12 in Toyama, Japan, which discussed Japan's rare-earth mud project near Minamitorishima Island and its polymetallic nodules project, with expanded engagement among officials, industry, researchers and technical experts.
Looking ahead, the two governments plan to deepen engagement with industry stakeholders and foster trusted commercial partnerships across the seabed mineral supply chain; secure processing capacity among trusted partners; safeguard sensitive technologies; exchange information and best practices on deep-sea exploration, seabed mapping, environmental assessment and monitoring; coordinate access to vessels and autonomous underwater vehicles for joint research and technology demonstrations; facilitate regulatory exchanges; and promote clear, streamlined and predictable regulatory approaches that facilitate private investment. They reaffirmed whole-of-government coordination to accelerate responsible seabed mineral resource development and strengthen critical mineral security.
Source: U.S. Department of State
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：美国国务院总部大楼（资料图）。GSM 固定图库照片。 / Photo: U.S. Department of State headquarters (file photo). GSM fixed image library.
