From the Japan Times, January 27:
A plan to build a synthetic diamond plant in the United States is a prime prospect in Japan's $550 billion investment package, as the allies push to expand production of a material vital to chip and high-precision manufacturing, sources said.
It could be among the first batch of projects set to be unveiled ahead of a U.S. visit by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi planned as early as March, the two sources said.
Both declined to be identified as the matter is private.
"The United States wants to accelerate domestic production of synthetic diamonds," one of the sources said. "By involving Japanese companies, Washington hopes to build a U.S.-Japan supply chain that does not rely on China."
China's recent moves to put export controls on some artificial diamonds has underscored the strategic importance of the material, most of which is now produced in China.
The synthetic diamond project involves Element Six, a part of De Beers Group, the world's leading diamond company, the source added....
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