Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi have elevated their nations' relationship to a 'special strategic partnership', focusing on critical minerals and defense cooperation to reduce dependence on China. This meeting in Tokyo marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The partnership includes defense projects like the Global Combat Air Programme and economic security initiatives, particularly regarding rare earth supply chains. Both leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation and expressed concerns over economic coercion and territorial claims in the East and South China Seas. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)