Leaders of Japan and Peru discuss potential collaboration on critical minerals and defense sectors.
Japan and Peru Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Rising China
Japan and Peru have deepened their strategic partnership, focusing on defense cooperation and critical mineral supply chains, as a response to the growing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region.
During a summit in Osaka, where President Boluarte attended the World Exposition, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Boluarte discussed global issues, including East Asia, Ukraine, the Middle East, and nuclear disarmament.
The high-level agreements and joint initiatives between the two countries, such as the joint declaration and roadmap (2024–2033), aim to strengthen the strategic partnership in areas like political-diplomatic, economic, bilateral cooperation, social, and security-defense pillars.
The defense agreements signed in August 2025 formalize enhanced military cooperation, while agreements on mining aim at securing stable supply chains for critical minerals, an area of increasing importance due to global demand and China's dominant role in mineral markets.
Both countries view their partnership through a lens of shared democratic values and the need to diversify partners in supply chains and defense, counterbalancing China's rising regional authority and ensuring resilience in critical sectors.
Peru, an important supplier of critical minerals like copper and zinc to Japan, has been strengthening ties with China, as evidenced by the Peruvian port in Chancay being part of Beijing's Belt and Road infrastructure cooperation initiative. However, Japan and Peru view each other as strategic partners, with Prime Minister Ishiba aiming to increase Japanese investment in Peru and boost tourism in the country.
The Peruvian president, Boluarte, highlighted the strengthening of the relationship between Peru and Japan during the summit. The port in Chancay, while seen as an attempt by China to advance its military objectives in the region, has not deterred Japan and Peru from seeking to build robust supply chains for critical minerals.
This shift towards deeper bilateral cooperation marks a notable change from traditional trade and cultural links, reflecting a sustained long-term strategy for cooperation in security and resource sectors. The roadmap and working groups formed aim to translate these commitments into actionable projects, reinforcing a strategic alliance grounded in shared values and pragmatic responses to evolving geopolitical and economic challenges.
Sources: [1] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (2024). Joint Declaration between Japan and Peru. Retrieved from https://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2024/11/k1-K0000004859.html
[2] The Japan News. (2025). Japan and Peru agree to deepen cooperation on defense and critical mineral supply chains. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/08/31/national/japan-peru-defense-cooperation/
[3] The Asahi Shimbun. (2025). Japan and Peru to establish working groups to realize joint roadmap. Retrieved from https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASF1K642070.html
[4] The Nikkei Asia. (2025). Japan and Peru deepen ties amid China's growing influence. Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Japan-and-Peru-deepen-ties-amid-China-s-growing-influence
- In light of the growing influence of China in the world, Japan and Peru have focused on enhancing their strategic partnership, expanding cooperation in areas such as military, defense, law, and industry, including trade and finance.
- The Japanese government and the Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, have been actively engaging in the political-diplomatic arena, discussing global issues like East Asia, Ukraine, the Middle East, and nuclear disarmament, particularly with Peruvian leaders.
- Recognizing China's dominance in mineral markets, both Japan and Peru have signed agreements to secure stable supply chains for critical minerals like copper and zinc, which are essential for Japan's national industry.
- In the realm of military cooperation, Japan and Peru have formalized their enhanced partnership through a series of agreements in August 2025, aiming to bolster regional security and defense.
- As part of their strategic partnership, both Japan and Peru are working towards fostering stronger economic ties, with the goal of increasing Japanese investment in Peru and boosting tourism, while ensuring resilience in critical sectors like finance and politics.
