Japan, Italy to boost tech, critical minerals cooperation

Japan, Italy to boost tech, critical minerals cooperation The nations seek closer ties, particularly on supply chains amid concerns about over-reliance on China for critical minerals Their meeting came as the two countries mark the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year and seek closer ties across a wide range of fields, particularly on supply chains amid concerns about over-reliance on China for critical minerals essential to hi-tech industries. Meloni also held talks with Takaichi in January in Tokyo. “Giorgia and I have also agreed to work closely as special strategic partners on issues such as the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and security in East Asia, including China and North Korea,” Takaichi said. In the technology arena, the leaders pledged to support broader cooperation between Japan’s Rapidus, a state-backed chip venture seeking to manufacture advanced semiconductors domestically, and an Italian semiconductor design firm. They also decided to promote joint efforts to address space debris and expand collaboration in satellite data analysis.