Japan and ASEAN plan new talks on bolstering supply chains

Two sides aim to upgrade partnership with eye on China

20230711N Indonesia mine

A nickel mine in Indonesia. The Southeast Asian country is a leading producer of nickel, a key component in electric vehicle batteries. © Reuters

ERIKA KOBAYASHI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations want to hold regular talks on economic security, looking to strengthen supply chains for key materials and craft a joint response to any economic coercion by countries like China.

Japan and the 10-nation Southeast Asian bloc will celebrate 50 years of friendship at a summit in December, during which they plan to upgrade ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership."

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