US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on May 25 that the Quad group will soon announce an initiative to ensure critical mineral supplies amid rising geopolitical competition. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation among the United States, Japan, India, and Australia in the extraction, processing, and supply of minerals crucial for high-tech and clean energy sectors, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earths.

May 26, 2026

World

Japanese PM pledges to strengthen energy cooperation with Vietnam

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Hanoi and signed six agreements with Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung, focusing on energy, critical minerals, and economic security. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of peaceful resolution of East Sea disputes based on international law. Japan will help secure crude oil supplies for Vietnam’s Nghi Son refinery under a $10 billion Asia Energy Initiative.

May 2, 2026

critical minerals | Axios Times