June 17, 2026
EVIAN/GENEVA – Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called for the unity to strengthen supply chains amid the situation in the Middle East and China, during the Group of Seven summit on Monday in Evian, France. It was the first time for Takaichi to join the G7 summit.
During the working dinner on the first day, the prime minister expressed respect for the U.S. diplomatic efforts toward the agreement, aimed at ending hostilities, that has been reached between the United States and Iran.
“It is important that free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is ensured and that a final agreement is reached as soon as possible,” she said.
As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings in war, Takaichi said, “Japan calls for preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, in coordination with the IAEA,” expressing her hope to work on the issue in coordination with other G7 countries.
She also noted that “the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz had demonstrated the importance of stockpiling critical materials,” and proposed a plan for the G7 to collaborate with like-minded nations to promote joint stockpiling of critical minerals.
The plan envisions a mechanism in which countries jointly build up stockpiles and coordinate their release in the event of a supply disruption, as China is intensifying economic pressure through measures such as export restrictions on rare earths.