Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in her first visit as national leader, met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House on Monday and agreed to deepen energy security, defense, and critical minerals cooperation, a readout said. Takaichi said strategic discussions covered China, Southeast Asia, Pacific Island countries, nuclear issues, and North Korean abductions. Takaichi warned the Iran conflict threatens supply chains and the Strait of Hormuz closure hurts the Indo-Pacific, pledging urgent action.
The leaders noted Australia supplies nearly half Japan’s LNG and Japan is a top refined fuel supplier to Australia. Albanese’s office said he traveled to Southeast Asia to secure fuel after recent attacks on Iran. The leaders’ joint statement targeted China’s control of heavy rare earths, expressing concern over economic coercion, market distortions, and export restrictions on critical minerals.
3 billion ($930 million) for projects with Japan, though details were not disclosed. Albanese said the agreements would benefit both nations and reduce vulnerability to global shocks. The energy statement reaffirmed joint crisis navigation and open trade flows, while the economic security statement committed to contingency consultations, the leaders said.
5 billion), a defense statement said.