美国与日本等多国签署关键矿产协议，律师：难有实质性影响

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses recent agreements signed by the United States with multiple countries, including Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand, focusing on securing the supply of critical minerals essential for advanced technologies and industries. The agreements emphasize cooperation in investment, technology transfer, and supply chain diversification, although they are largely non-binding and politically oriented [3][4][6]. Group 1: Agreements and Frameworks - The U.S. and Japan signed a framework agreement to enhance cooperation in securing critical minerals, including financial support mechanisms and trade measures [3][4]. - Similar agreements were made between the U.S. and Australia, as well as memorandums with Malaysia and Thailand during President Trump's visit to Asia [4]. - The U.S. and Japan plan to hold a ministerial meeting within 180 days to promote investment in the mining sector [5]. Group 2: Investment and Technology Transfer - The U.S. and Japan committed to investing in mineral recycling and ensuring the management of critical minerals through technological cooperation [6]. - The agreements with Malaysia and Thailand emphasize trade and investment in critical mineral supply chains, with a focus on technology transfer and innovation [6][7]. - The U.S. expects to prioritize investments in critical mineral assets that can be sold in Malaysia and Thailand, promoting domestic processing industries [6]. Group 3: Non-Binding Nature and Stability - The agreements are non-binding and may not have substantial impacts on mining policies unless actual investments and technological collaborations materialize [4][7]. - The stability of these non-binding frameworks depends on whether the involved countries can genuinely benefit from U.S. investments and technology transfers [7]. - The U.S.-Japan framework is viewed as potentially more stable due to mutual needs for critical minerals, compared to the agreements with Malaysia and Thailand [7].