Japan and Germany Expand Mineral and Defense Cooperation

Japan and Germany agreed on October 28, 2026, to strengthen economic security, diversify critical mineral supplies and expand defense cooperation during talks between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Tokyo. The leaders also advanced plans for collaboration in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies amid concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and international security.

The two governments issued joint declarations on economic security and cutting-edge technology following their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, according to Japan-based news outlet Nippon.com, citing Jiji Press. Their discussions covered critical minerals, defense industry cooperation, China's growing influence and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A central priority is reducing dependence on concentrated sources of critical minerals, including rare earth elements used in batteries and military equipment. Japan has faced tighter Chinese export controls following a diplomatic dispute over Taiwan, with Tokyo noting slower or declining exports of some rare earths.

In a joint statement, the leaders expressed "grave concerns on the increasing use of economic coercion, such as arbitrary export restrictions and retaliatory measures on critical minerals". They also pledged to "work together to ensure that attempts to weaponise economic dependencies fail".

Takaichi outlined the countries' approach to securing alternative supplies and protecting strategically important technology during their joint media appearance.

"Japan and Germany will work to diversify sources of critical minerals and develop alternative supply sources, while also taking steps to protect critical technologies," said Takaichi, according to Yahoo News.

The Japanese prime minister had previously said in November that Japan could consider military intervention if Taiwan were attacked. Beijing subsequently imposed restrictions on exports to Japan of certain dual-use products, which have both civilian and military applications.

Merz said Germany, Japan and the European Union had recognized the risks associated with excessive reliance on individual suppliers. His remarks reflected Berlin's effort to strengthen economic resilience while reducing trade dependence on the United States and China.

"Japan, the European Union, and Germany have all come to realise that we must reduce one-sided dependencies — whether in our supply chains or regarding raw materials," Merz said.

He added that economic diversification and resilience had become immediate priorities for the partners.

"De-risking, diversification, and strengthening our resilience are the imperatives of the hour," Merz said.

Defense cooperation also emerged as a major component of the talks. Merz confirmed that Germany would examine the possibility of collaborating with Japan on a next-generation combat aircraft, although he provided no further details about the potential project.

"We will strengthen our cooperation in the armaments sector through joint projects for innovative future defense capabilities," Merz said. "In this context, we also intend to explore the possibility of collaboration in the development of combat aircraft. A mandate to examine this has been prepared."

The proposal has drawn attention because it could offer Germany another avenue for fighter development following difficulties with its joint Future Combat Air System project with France. Potential cooperation could involve the Global Combat Air Program, a next-generation fighter initiative led by Japan, Italy and the United Kingdom, although no formal participation by Germany was announced.

The leaders also agreed to establish a high-level dialogue framework on artificial intelligence and encourage private-sector cooperation in advanced technologies, including nuclear fusion and hydrogen. According to Nippon.com, the two countries were expected to sign 33 memorandums of understanding covering AI, nuclear fusion and other advanced technologies.

Merz arrived in Tokyo after visiting Singapore and was scheduled to travel to South Korea on October 29. During an economic forum in Tokyo, he also opposed protectionism and the politicization of supply chains, proposing a global political alliance to support rules-based trade.