Quad Foreign Ministers Establish New Framework for Energy Security

May 26, 2026 | News On Japan

DELHI, May 26, 2026 (News On Japan) - Foreign ministers from the Quad grouping of Japan, the United States, India and Australia met in New Delhi on May 26th, launching new frameworks aimed at strengthening critical mineral supply chains and energy security as concerns grow over China’s expanding influence and instability in the Middle East.

The Quad foreign ministers’ meeting focused on energy security linked to tensions in the Middle East, as well as the issue of rare earths, a sector in which China maintains overwhelming dominance in the global market.

During a joint press conference, Foreign Minister Motegi said the four countries agreed to “strongly oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force,” in remarks clearly directed at China. He also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, where a de facto blockade has continued to disrupt maritime traffic.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the creation of new frameworks designed to reinforce critical mineral supply chains and improve energy security cooperation among the Quad members. Calling the Quad “a cornerstone of America’s global strategy,” Rubio signaled Washington’s intention to accelerate concrete initiatives within the grouping.

The Quad has increasingly served as a platform for cooperation among countries wary of China’s growing economic and military influence. However, no leaders’ summit has been held since the launch of the second Trump administration, raising questions about the future direction of the framework.

As the United States and China project a more conciliatory relationship following their recent summit meeting, some observers have expressed concern that Washington’s commitment to the Quad could weaken. Whether the four nations can pave the way toward holding another leaders’ summit is expected to become a major test for the grouping moving forward.

Source: TBS

Typhoon No. 15 Expected to Make Landfall in Eastern Japan on August 11

Typhoon No. 15 (Chan-hom) is increasingly likely to make landfall between Fukushima and Ibaraki prefectures on the Pacific coast of eastern Japan from the evening through the night of August 11, after moving northwest over waters east of Japan at about 15 kilometers per hour as of 9 a.m. on August 10.

Raccoon Damage Surges Across Japan

Raccoons are increasingly invading homes across Japan, damaging roofs and wiring, contaminating buildings with large amounts of urine and feces, and raising concerns over agriculture, native wildlife and the spread of disease as their population continues to expand.

Nagasaki Marks 81st Anniversary With Call to Uphold Non-Nuclear Principles

Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing on August 9 with a memorial ceremony near the hypocenter, where Mayor Shiro Suzuki declared nuclear weapons an "absolute evil" and called on the Japanese government to uphold its Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

Flights Still Disrupted After Typhoon No. 13 Hits Okinawa

Transport services were gradually returning to normal on August 9 after Typhoon No. 13 caused widespread cancellations and shutdowns across Okinawa, although air travel remained disrupted as airlines worked to restore schedules and accommodate passengers stranded during the opening days of Japan's busy Obon holiday period.

Typhoon No. 13 Moves West but Severe Weather Lingers in Okinawa

Typhoon No. 13 was moving slowly west on the night of August 8 and was expected to approach the Chinese mainland by the night of August 9, but Okinawa, Amami and parts of southern Kyushu remained at risk from strong winds, intermittent heavy rain and dangerous seas even as the storm's center moved farther away.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

BOJ Rate Pressure Puts Takaichi’s Economic Agenda Under Scrutiny

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s economic strategy faced renewed pressure on August 7 as attention shifted toward the Bank of Japan’s September policy meeting, with central bank officials preparing a series of public appearances that could signal whether another interest-rate hike is becoming likely after recent yen turmoil and fiscal concerns.

Hiroshima Marks 81 Years Since Atomic Bombing With Peace Ceremony

Hiroshima marked the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing on August 6 with a peace memorial ceremony at Peace Memorial Park, where Mayor Kazumi Matsui warned of the growing danger that nuclear weapons could be used and called for renewed action toward their abolition.

Japan Moves to Slash Food Consumption Tax

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government formally approved a plan on August 5 to reduce the consumption tax rate on food and nonalcoholic beverages from 8% to 1% for two years beginning in April 2027, setting the stage for a difficult parliamentary battle over how to cover an estimated 10 trillion yen revenue shortfall and whether the politically sensitive tax can be restored afterward.

Japan Defense White Paper Sparks Debate Over Military Buildup

Japan’s latest defense white paper has sparked controversy by presenting the country’s expanding military buildup not only as a national security necessity but also as a potential engine of economic growth, drawing criticism from China and raising fresh domestic questions over how far Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government is prepared to link defense, industry and fiscal policy.

Takaichi Tax Cut Clears LDP As BOJ Pressure Deepens Market Test

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s food-tax cut plan cleared a major ruling party hurdle on August 5, intensifying debate over whether her government can deliver household relief without weakening fiscal credibility or drawing the Bank of Japan deeper into the administration’s economic agenda.

Zelenskyy Orders Stronger Diplomatic Engagement With Japan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed diplomatic officials on August 3 to strengthen relations with Japan, expressing disappointment with the results achieved so far and raising speculation that Kyiv is seeking Japanese weapons supplies.

Japan Plans Stricter Permanent Residency Rules for Foreign Nationals

Japan's Immigration Services Agency on August 4 released draft guidelines that would tighten the requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency, including new income and pension standards designed to ensure applicants have economic conditions equal to or better than those of Japanese people.

Takaichi Faces Yen And Defense Spending Test As Inflation Debate Widens

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government faced a widening policy test on August 4 as officials tried to calm inflation concerns after rare U.S.-Japan yen intervention, while the latest defense white paper framed Japan’s military buildup as part of a broader strategy for economic growth and national resilience.

< 2 3 4 5 >