Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has pledged to usher in a “golden age” in relations with the United States after she met her US counterpart Donald Trump in the Japanese capital to seal a deal aimed at securing critical mineral supplies.

The two leaders signed an agreement establishing a framework for cooperation in the mining and processing of rare earths and other essential minerals; a move that underscores growing anxieties over China’s dominance in the sector. Beijing has recently tightened export controls on several key materials, intensifying fears of supply disruptions across global industries dependent on advanced technology.

Trump, currently in Japan on the second leg of a week-long tour of Asia, is expected to meet China’s President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this week for what are being billed as pivotal talks amid an escalating trade conflict.

According to The Guardian, a White House statement said the objective of the new US–Japan arrangement is “to assist both countries in achieving resilience and security of critical minerals and rare earths supply chains”.

Rare earths are a group of 17 minerals crucial in multiple sectors, particularly in defence, automotive and electronics. In recent months they have become something of a flashpoint in the competition between the US and China, with Japan positioning itself as a key partner in Washington’s broader effort to secure supply chains.

The Guardian added that two leaders, who had earlier watched a World Series baseball broadcast met for bilateral talks that touched on trade, security, and global peace efforts, yet while discussions were held behind closed doors, US officials said Takaichi planned to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize – the much sought after goal of the US president on the back of his record in helping to resolve a number of recent conflicts – most notably those between Pakistan and India and Cambodia and Thailand

In a joint statement released after their meeting, the leaders “confirmed their strong commitment to implementing this great deal”, adding that it would “help both countries to strengthen economic security, promote economic growth, and thereby continuously lead to global prosperity”.

Reflecting on Takaichi’s political mentor, and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe – a close friend of the US leader - Trump said it was an “honour” to meet Takaichi so soon after her appointment and predicted she would become one of Japan’s “greatest prime ministers”.

“Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there,” Trump said. “You’re going to do a fantastic job, and we’re going to have a fantastic relationship.”

After the meeting, Takaichi took to X saying she had “a very productive and fruitful meeting” with the US president and that “our ironclad, unshakeable Alliance and strong economic ties will continue to bring peace.”