US President Trump's Asia tour aims to secure mineral supplies and counter China's dominance.
The US and Japan signed an agreement to support the supply of critical minerals and rare earths.
Both countries plan to provide financial backing for selected projects within six months.
The agreement aims to "support the supply of raw and processed critical minerals and rare earths crucial to the domestic industries of the United States and Japan".
Author's summary: Trump's Asia tour targets China's mineral dominance.