Trump, Takaichi Ink Pact to Secure Rare Earth Supplies

Published 1 day ago

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Above: Donald Trump and Sanae Takaichi at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan, on Oct. 28, 2025. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The Spin

Anti-Trump narrative

Trump's rare-earth deal with Japan is mere theater, light on enforceable specifics, while Beijing tightens its grip on 90% of global processing. Signed ahead of high-stakes China talks, it risks provoking trade wars and ignoring domestic mining hurdles, such as by permitting delays. This posturing burdens allies without addressing U.S. vulnerabilities.

Bloomberg.com Al Jazeera

Pro-Trump narrative

This landmark framework agreement with Japan on critical minerals and rare earths counters China's export controls that threaten U.S. tech and defense industries. This deal boosts mining, processing and investment, fosters diversified supply chains for EVs, renewables and electronics, and heralds a "new golden age" of U.S.-Japan ties, enhancing economic resilience.

Trump White House