Japan and Italy Upgrade Ties to 'Special Strategic Partnership' to Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains

The distance between Rome and Tokyo is narrowing as common geopolitical threats loom larger. On January 16, 2026, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni announced a major upgrade in bilateral relations to a 'special strategic partnership' during their summit in Tokyo.

Japan-Italy Critical Mineral Supply Chain Resilience

According to Kyodo News, the two leaders prioritized the stabilization of critical minerals supply chains. As China maintains a dominant grip on rare earth production, both G7 nations are seeking to insulate their high-tech industries from what has been described as 'economic coercion.' This move signals a coordinated effort to diversify resource procurement and ensure manufacturing stability for future technologies.

Expanding Cooperation in Defense and Space

Defense collaboration also took center stage, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to the trilateral project with Britain to develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2035. Beyond traditional defense, they agreed to establish a consultative body for space cooperation. "As the strategic environment surrounding the Indo-Pacific becomes severe, close collaboration between like-minded countries is more important than ever," Takaichi stated, highlighting the inseparable nature of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security.