Japan and US Collaborate to Bolster Critical Technology Supply Chains, Countering China and Russia
In a significant development, Japan and the United States have joined forces to strengthen the supply chains of critical technologies. The move comes as both nations seek to counter the increasing authoritarian moves by China and Russia in the global arena. During a two-plus-two meeting of foreign and economic ministers held in San Francisco on Tuesday, the two countries agreed to work together and establish a working committee to devise specific measures.
This meeting marks the second time talks have been held under the framework of the Japan-U.S. Economic Policy Consultative Committee, also known as the economic two-plus-two. Attending the gathering were Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, and their counterparts from the United States, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
A joint statement released after the meeting stated, We intend to work together to formulate transparent, resilient, and sustainable supply chain strategies. The establishment of a working group will enable discussions on concrete support measures, such as subsidies and tax breaks, particularly in the fields of semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, and other critical items.
Minister Nishimura expressed hope that both Japan and the United States would take the lead in strengthening supply chains for like-minded countries that share common values. The joint statement also emphasized cooperation in countering economic coercion and non-market policies and practices that distort markets through excessive subsidies.
Furthermore, in the field of artificial intelligence, the two countries have agreed to compare and analyze their guidelines and align operational policies to ensure responsible use and management. Additionally, both sides highlighted the importance of relying on scientific evidence when imposing trade restrictions on food and agricultural products.
In specific reference to China and Russia, the statement stressed the need for the immediate rescission of import restrictions on Japanese food products. This holds great significance as Japan looks to expand its export market for agricultural goods.
Overall, this collaborative effort between Japan and the United States to bolster critical technology supply chains is set to shape the strategic landscape in the face of increasing authoritarianism. The establishment of a working committee and the commitment to transparent, resilient, and sustainable supply chain strategies will not only strengthen the two countries’ positions but also benefit like-minded nations across the globe.
Keywords: Japan, United States, supply chains, critical technologies, China, Russia, authoritarian moves, two-plus-two meeting, working committee, subsidies, tax breaks, semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, artificial intelligence, economic coercion, non-market policies and practices, trade restrictions, food and agricultural products, import restrictions, strategic landscape.
