SINGAPORE — Representatives from six East Asian nations today signed an agreement forming the Maritime Logistics Alliance (MLA). The pact aims to protect critical trade lanes and coordinate raw material distribution during supply disruptions.

The alliance will set up joint stockpiles for essential semiconductors, grain reserves, and lithium inputs.

Alliance Focus Areas * **Joint Storage Depots**: Strategic reserves located in deep-water ports. * **Coordinated Logistics**: Standardized customs protocols to expedite maritime shipping. * **Shared Intelligence**: Real-time monitoring of port congestion and regional weather threats.

MLA representatives stated, 'In the modern global economy, supply chain resilience is national security. By working together, we ensure that our manufacturing sectors remain stable despite external shocks.' The alliance plans to hold its first joint coordination exercise next month.