Japan seeks to release rare earths, 10 other critical items from China's grip

TOKYO -- Japan designated semiconductors, batteries and nine other items as strategically critical material on Tuesday, in a bid to reduce the exposure of those supply chains to China.

"This is the first step in advancing the resiliency of critical supply chains to safeguard the survival, livelihoods and economic activities of our citizens," Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi told reporters.