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The Diplomat
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Diplomat
Operationalizing a Quad Critical Minerals Pact
As American economic leadership in the Indo-Pacific faces its most difficult litmus test in years, a Quad critical minerals partnership offers the most promising — and practical — first step to restore trust and deliver results. With just six months into the new administration, the Biden-Trump transition has unleashed a new era of unpredictability in U.S. economic diplomacy, particularly with America's closest Indo-Pacific allies. Yet amid a patchwork of frayed trade ties and ongoing negotiations, there is potential for a more constructive path forward. The July 1 meeting of Quad foreign ministers from the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India — the second since President Donald Trump's return to office — offered an opening to rebuild trust and deliver tangible economic benefits to all Quad members. The ripest opportunity on the table is a formal Quad partnership on critical minerals. The Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, announced in a joint statement following the recent Quad ministerial meeting, is a step in the right direction, albeit lacking in details. The greatest challenge, however, is not just adding meat to the Critical Minerals Initiative. It is traversing an already complex interplay of national interests along with the added complexity of President Trump's trade policy, and a 'negotiating new terms' of sorts with long-term partner countries. A Strenuous Moment between Quad Nations and Washington U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged his counterparts from Japan, India, and Australia to elevate the grouping's coordination function toward delivering concrete projects, one of which is diversifying the global supply chain of critical minerals. His message was pointed: securing not just access to raw materials, but the capacity to process and refine them, is a shared strategic imperative for all four nations. This push comes at a particularly strained moment for U.S. relationships with its closest allies in the Indo-Pacific. The Trump administration's unilateral tariffs have damaged relationships with each Quad partner. Japan faces looming reciprocal tariffs, with trade talks stalled and the president publicly criticizing Japan's 'spoiled' trading practices. Australia is awaiting the results of a Pentagon-led review of AUKUS, the major trilateral security pact between Canberra, Washington, and London. Meanwhile, U.S.-India relations have chilled as Delhi expressed frustration over Washington's outreach to Pakistan when India-Pakistan relations hit their lowest point in recent years due to ongoing military and diplomatic assaults from both sides. In short, critical minerals aren't the only things in short supply — trust and goodwill between the U.S. and its partners are scarce too. Why Critical Minerals, Why Now? Despite tensions, there is one area where the interests of all four nations align: securing access to the critical minerals that underpin everything from the green energy transition to cutting-edge defense systems. China's willingness to weaponize its dominance in the critical minerals supply chain, in particular, and its economic coercion practices, in general, is no breaking news. In 2010, Beijing cut off rare earth exports to Japan after an incident in a disputed territory, setting off an alarm in Tokyo to reduce dependency. Japan's reliance on Chinese rare earths, once over 90 percent, has since fallen below 60 percent, which is a significant improvement but still presents a weak point that China can exploit. In April 2025, China sharply escalated tensions by imposing stringent export controls on several critical minerals and rare earth elements — including samarium, scandium, and dysprosium — essential to advanced defense systems, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technology. The move, justified by Beijing on national security grounds, effectively throttled global supplies, causing immediate disruptions. The United States faced acute impacts, particularly in defense manufacturing and semiconductors, sectors heavily reliant on Chinese-processed rare earth magnets. India's and Japan's electronics and automobile industries were thrown into crisis, warning of imminent factory shutdowns due to delayed magnet shipments. Beijing's April clampdown has sent shockwaves across global supply chains and sharply highlighted vulnerabilities among Quad nations. Recognizing the urgency, the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia have increasingly viewed the Quad as the natural platform to build a resilient supply chain, which eventually led to the new joint initiative to develop extraction, processing, and refining capabilities. Beyond Intent: What a Real Pact Should Look Like Rubio said that after the ministerial meeting, nearly 40 companies from all four countries also convened to explore areas of cooperation. But industry alone cannot bridge this gap on its own. Congress should act to pass the Quad Critical Minerals Partnership Act sponsored by Sen. Lankford, James (R-OK), which would require the administration to develop a strategy to secure supplies with trusted partners and direct agencies to prioritize investment and collaboration with Quad members. Each Quad nation brings distinct strengths. Australia offers both raw materials and world-class extraction and processing know-how. Japan's hard-earned experience in public-private investment is a model for the group. India has both the ambition and reserves to emerge as a hub for processing and refining. The U.S. provides capital and market access. Together, the four can add teeth to the Critical Minerals Initiative by developing a joint fund to identify and get projects off the ground. In addition to the long-term solution of building an alternative supply chain from Beijing, the four nations can also remedy the bottleneck in the short term by coordinating and sharing their stockpiles of rare earths. India's recent move to restrict its exports of rare earths to Japan highlights how Beijing's export controls are damaging economic ties in other bilateral relationships within the Quad. This development not only hinders future collaborations but also worsens the ongoing shortages, warranting an immediate joint effort to pool resources together rather than imposing further restrictions. Critical minerals security remains a rare issue of bipartisan consensus in Washington. As American economic leadership in the Indo-Pacific faces its most difficult litmus test in years, a Quad critical minerals partnership offers the most promising — and practical — first step to restore trust and deliver results.
First Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Trump Halts Arms to Ukraine as Kim Jong Un Bolsters Russia's Putin Firstpost America
Trump Halts Arms to Ukraine as Kim Jong Un Bolsters Russia's Putin| Firstpost America | N18G Trump Halts Arms to Ukraine as Kim Jong Un Bolsters Russia's Putin| Firstpost America | N18G The United States has reportedly decided to halt some critical weapons shipments to Ukraine as part of a Pentagon-led capability review, affecting Patriot missiles, artillery shells, guided rockets, and Hellfire missiles. Kyiv has expressed its concern over the pause, citing increased Russian strikes in recent days. Since 2022, Washington has provided nearly $67 billion in military support. Meanwhile, intelligence reports indicate that North Korea is preparing to send up to 30,000 troops to support Russia, amid alleged signs of a potential summer offensive. Ukrainian officials warn that delays in military aid could embolden Moscow and prolong the war. Watch for more. See More
Sky News AU
12-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to meet Donald Trump and deliver major defence funding announcements amid AUKUS scare
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to fly to the US for a critical meeting with President Donald Trump and deliver major defence funding announcements as a Pentagon-led snap review threatens the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal. On Thursday, the US announced a formal review of the more than $350 billion AUKUS arrangement after the Albanese government resisted demands to lift defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. According to The Australian, Mr Albanese will fly out of Canberra on Friday for a critical week-long trip which will take him to Fiji, Canada and the US. The trip marks the first time Mr Albanese will come face-to-face with President Trump. Mr Albanese will on Friday meet with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and is expected to shake hands on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, among others. The Pentagon's announcement to hold a 30-day snap review of the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal came as G7 leaders prepare to meet over the weekend. It will be led by Defence Under Secretary for Policy, Elbridge Colby, a vocal sceptic of the arrangement among Trump's senior policy officials. With increasing tensions between the US and Iran, it is understood President Trump is yet to confirm any bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, which includes Mr Albanese. However, The Australian reported government officials in Washington said a meeting between the pair was likely to proceed after Mr Albanese resisted calls to up defence spending. The outlet revealed there were concerns held by the Trump administration over giving nuclear submarines to a country which appeared unwilling to assist in any conflict which may involve Taiwan. Additionally, AUKUS has been viewed as 'Australia's idea' which is at odds with Trump's 'America First' outlook, with the onus on Canberra to now justify its existence. Defence Minister Richard Marles has defended the Albanese government's commitment to AUKUS after the Trump administration launched a review into the $368 billion deal. 'We are committed to AUKUS and we look forward to working closely with the US on the review,' Mr Marles said in a statement response to the US review. 'It is natural that the administration would want to examine this major undertaking including progress and delivery. 'Our engagement with the Trump administration and across the full political spectrum of the United States has shown clear and consistent support for AUKUS.' has contacted the Prime Minister for comment.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
China to kill AUKUS without firing a bullet? Trump's ‘America First' stand behind review of nuclear submarine deal with Australia
President Donald Trump has launched a Pentagon-led review of the 2021 AUKUS pact, which brings together Australia , the United Kingdom, and the United States in a multi-decade effort to counterbalance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. This deal was signed under the Biden Administration , a commitment to give its allies the missing military edge in the form of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. This review marks the first serious reappraisal of the deal since its 2021 announcement and is being undertaken to find the perfect strategy to tackle China's military posturing in the Pacific and South China Sea. Also Read: Trump's US losing its tourist destination sheen, Australia joins growing list of friendly nations dropping America from travel itineraries by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dad-Approved Ways to Celebrate Father's Day in Costa Mesa - Travel Costa Mesa Travel Costa Mesa Read More Undo Officials say the review is to ensure the project aligns with Trump's 'America First' agenda and addresses concerns over resource limits in the US Navy . With the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) modernising rapidly and operating multiple nuclear submarines as well as aircraft carriers, the US forces are getting stretched. Live Events A defense official confirmed that the review will examine America's readiness, allied contributions, and the US industrial base. Why is Trump having second thoughts? Trump's team, led by Undersecretary Elbridge Colby, has questioned the submarine component, known as Pillar I, while supporting broader cooperation in intelligence and advanced technologies. Colby warned that US nuclear submarine capacity may not be sufficient to both supply Australia and meet American needs in a hypothetical conflict on other fronts, such as around Taiwan. This review is normal for a new administration (Trump) to evaluate key defense agreements. Canberra has already committed around A$4 billion toward US production and $500 million upfront. But the review stresses that the US must hit production targets, about 2.33 submarines per year, before transferring vessels. The Australian Government forecast suggests that this submarine program could cost a staggering US$235 billion over 30 years. Trump's approach also uses AUKUS to pressure Australia to increase defence spending significantly, from 2% of GDP to roughly 3.5%. Australia's Deputy PM Richard Marles said that AUKUS will stay on track. He called the review 'natural and understandable,' given the change in US leadership. He stressed that Australia has a 'plan' and 'is sticking to it.' The Chinese reaction China maintained its opposition to the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal as the Trump Administration reviewed it to align with its " America First " agenda. Beijing had earlier labeled the deal as driven by 'Cold War thinking' and accused the US, UK, and Australia of embarking on a 'path of error and danger.' Also Read: Trump threatens broader troop deployment if ICE protests and riots spread After the news that the US is reviewing AUKUS, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a briefing on Thursday, June 12, 'China has made clear more than once its position on the so-called trilateral security partnership between the U.S., U.K., and Australia, designed to advance cooperation on nuclear submarines and other cutting-edge military technologies." What is AUKUS and what was it meant to serve? The AUKUS pact, short for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is a strategic security partnership announced in 2021. Its purpose is to strengthen military capabilities among these three countries and deter threats in the Indo-Pacific region, especially amid China's growing influence. The deal, estimated to cost US$239 billion (or A$368 billion) over three decades, is structured around two main pillars. Pillar I: Nuclear Submarines Pillar I will focus on providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines, marking a big leap forward from its current fleet of diesel-electric vessels. Only five countries, the US, Russia, China, France, the UK, and India operate nuclear-powered submarines. Australia will build a nuclear submarine base that will be operational by 2027 just off Perth, for $1.7 billion. US and UK submarines will begin short-term rotational deployments to Western Australia by 2027. These deployments are meant to familiarise Australia with nuclear-powered technology and operations. From 2032, Australia will purchase at least three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US, with the option to buy two more if needed. The long-term vision is to create a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines, SSN-AUKUS. The UK and Australia will jointly design these submarines using British blueprints, but with integrated US technology. They will be constructed in both countries and serve both navies. With this part of the plan, the Australian government officials hope to strengthen deterrence, build Australia's domestic defence industry, and deepen military interoperability among the three nations. Pillar II: Advanced Capabilities and Intelligence Sharing This part includes collaboration on artificial intelligence, undersea robotics, long-range hypersonic missiles, quantum technologies, cyber operations, and electronic warfare systems. The arrangement expands on decades of deep intelligence sharing between the US and UK, now extended to Australia. It is designed to give the allies an edge in emerging technologies that are crucial for modern warfare. Together, both pillars of AUKUS aim to reshape the Indo-Pacific security landscape and establish a long-term technological and strategic alignment framework between the three partner countries. What lies ahead for Australia? The Pentagon review is expected to wrap up within 30 days; however, no timeline is given. Its outcome could reshape AUKUS or prompt negotiations over defence spending and industrial commitments. Australia may also consider a fall-back plan if the submarine deal is delayed or altered, though Marles has ruled out mid-course changes. London reiterates AUKUS's strategic value but supports revisiting its terms. For Australia, the review brings uncertainty over its biggest defence project. AUKUS's future role in Indo-Pacific security could be in doubt if the review leads to cancellation or delay.
Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, June 12, 2025
US President Donald Trump said on June 11 that the deal with China 'is done' and that the relationship was 'excellent'. PHOTO: REUTERS While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, June 12, 2025 Deal 'is done', says Trump, on China and US trade truce China and the US agreed to revive a fragile trade truce after two days of talks in London, further defusing tensions between the two geopolitical rivals. US President Donald Trump said on June 11 that the deal with China 'is done' and that the relationship was 'excellent'. Hours earlier, Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who led the negotiating delegation in London, called on the US to 'stay true to your words' and 'demonstrate good faith in keeping promises'. The agreement, which concluded close to midnight on June 10 in London, followed a roller coaster of rising and easing tensions over non-tariff measures, after both sides agreed in May in Geneva to a 90-day truce that sharply lowered tariffs on each other's goods. READ MORE HERE Trump admin launches review of Biden-era Aukus pact President Donald Trump's administration has launched a formal review of a defence pact that former president Joe Biden made with Australia and the United Kingdom allowing Australia to acquire conventionally armed nuclear submarines, a US defence official told Reuters. The launch of the formal, Pentagon-led review is likely to alarm Australia, which sees the submarines as critical to its own defence as tensions grow over China's expansive military buildup. It could also throw a wrench in Britain's defence planning. The so-called Aukus pact is at the centre of a planned expansion of its submarine fleet. READ MORE HERE Serbia leader in Ukraine for first time since Russia invasion Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who maintains strong ties with Moscow, made his first visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022 on June 11 and said he supported the country's 'territorial integrity'. The Balkan nation with close historical links to Russia has maintained an official policy of neutrality throughout Moscow's three-year war in Ukraine and has denied arming either side. But in recent days, Russia accused Serbian arms companies of 'trying to stab Russia in the back' by selling munitions to Ukraine. READ MORE HERE Fulbright board resigns citing Trump interference All members of the board that oversees the US State Department's Fulbright Programme, which facilitates international educational exchanges, have voted to resign over alleged political interference from President Donald Trump's administration, the board said on June 11. The Trump administration had unlawfully 'usurped the authority' of the board by denying awards to a 'substantial number' of people who had already been selected for the 2025-2026 academic year through a yearlong, merit-based process, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board said, in a statement posted on the website Substack. The department is also putting another 1,200 Fulbright recipients through an 'unauthorised review process' that could lead to more rejections, according to the statement. READ MORE HERE Brian Wilson, founder of surf band The Beach Boys, dies at 82 Beach Boys cofounder Brian Wilson, who created some of rock's most enduring songs such as Good Vibrations and God Only Knows in a career that was marked by a decades-long battle between his musical genius, drug abuse and mental health issues, has died at the age of 82. Wilson's family announced his death in a statement on the singer's website. 'We are at a loss for words right now,' the statement said. 'We realise that we are sharing our grief with the world.' READ MORE HERE Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
