Quad nations agree to work on stable energy, critical mineral supplies

NEW DELHI - The foreign ministers of Japan, Australia, India and the United States agreed Tuesday to establish initiatives aimed at securing stable supplies of energy and critical materials as the four democracies sought to strengthen coordination amid China's assertive behavior.

Based on the initiative on critical minerals, the four nations intend to "mobilize up to $20 billion in government and private sector support through new and existing efforts" to strengthen supply chains, including in mining, processing and recycling, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.