A new Pentagon unit is racing to break China's grip on rare earths with billions in financing and creative dealmaking, marking a far more aggressive U.S. industrial policy shift.
A central question hanging over the summit this week is whether China will agree to extend a temporary postponement of even tougher rare-earth export controls.
In February, Japan succeeded in a test collection of rare earth-bearing mud from a depth of 6,000 meters below sea level near the remote Japanese island of Minamitorishima.
The two signed a memorandum of understanding for a partnership on producing and securing critical minerals, with a specific action plan for trade announced separately.
