PM Takaichi Japan-South Korea Summit 2026: G7 Moves to Diversify Critical Mineral Supply Chains

The geopolitical tectonic plates of Asia are shifting fast. While the Dow Jones nears the 50,000 mark, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is signaling a major diplomatic and political pivot. From her hometown of Nara, she's preparing for a high-stakes summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, just as the G7 prepares to tighten its grip on critical mineral supply chains targeting China.

Political Stakes of the PM Takaichi Japan-South Korea Summit 2026

According to NHK, PM Takaichi is weighing a final decision on dissolving the Lower House, a move that could reshape Japan's domestic landscape. On January 13, she emphasized her desire to advance ties with Seoul. President Lee Jae-myung reciprocated this sentiment in an interview, stating he hopes to build a "cooperative relationship" through this summit. For investors, this rapprochement suggests a more stable environment for semiconductor and tech partnerships in the region.

G7 Strategy: Diversifying Away from Chinese Minerals

Parallel to regional diplomacy, G7 finance ministers are set to discuss the diversification of supply chains for critical minerals. The goal's clear: reduce reliance on China. As high-tech industries struggle with resource security, this G7 initiative, coupled with the Nara summit, points toward a coordinated Western-aligned economic front in Asia.