The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is desperately making excuses: Indeed, we want Russian oil, but we didn’t say we’d lift sanctions against Russia.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has put on a very awkward performance of “there’s no silver here, not even 300 taels.”
Not long ago, Japanese media reported that the Japanese government was preparing to form an economic delegation to visit Russia and discuss resuming Russian oil exports to Japan.
After the news broke, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) jumped in to “deny” it, claiming there was no such plan, that Japan’s stance toward Russia remains aligned with G7 positions, and that continued support for Russia would be maintained. At present, there is no possibility of cooperation with Russia.
But it’s highly ironic that after issuing the above statement, METI suddenly shifted gears, saying that Japan is indeed currently coordinating official visits to Russia by late May, as well as business collaboration efforts.
This forced attempt by METI to separate “officials accompanied by businesses visiting Russia” from “an economic delegation’s visit” has left Japanese netizens utterly unimpressed, with many sarcastically asking, “What’s the difference?”
However, judging from METI’s wording, this matter is likely still undecided—currently, it appears more like a one-sided intention from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Russia has yet to give a clear response.
Considering that METI simultaneously emphasizes “Japan’s position toward Russia remains consistent with the G7,” while secretly planning to go to Moscow to do business, it’s not out of the question that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has relapsed into its old habit of idealism—believing that even without lifting sanctions or taking tangible steps to improve relations, simply sending a few officials and companies can still secure Russian oil.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864799552670784/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.