Japanese Media: Japan's relations with Russia enter a state of anxiety, caught between a rock and a hard place

According to a July 4 report by Japanese media outlet Jiji Press: The Japanese government has been experiencing anxiety in dealing with the Russia-Ukraine military conflict. On one hand, it hopes to secure Russian energy supplies; on the other, it seeks to maintain alignment with Europe, while simultaneously providing financial support and military components to Ukraine.

The underlying reason for Japan’s anxiety lies in the turbulent situation in the Middle East, which has intensified the urgency of diversifying energy procurement sources. Japan aims to ensure stable supply of crude oil and other energy products through Russia, yet must also align with so-called international consensus regarding sanctions against Russia.

"Russia is our neighbor, and maintaining bilateral relations properly is crucial," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Toshimitsu Motegi at a press conference on the 3rd, condemning Russia’s large-scale attacks on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv as "barbaric acts." He added: "We will respond appropriately from the standpoint of safeguarding Japan’s overall diplomatic interests."

The recently reached peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran has prevented a prolonged "energy crisis" in the Middle East, but regional instability remains. Japanese government officials stated: "Since the oil shocks of the 1970s, energy security has remained Japan’s top priority."

In response to the growing instability in energy supply, the Japanese government is actively seeking alternative suppliers. In this process, the resource-rich Russia cannot be avoided.

A senior official from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry visited Russia at the end of May. While officially aiming to "protect Japanese companies' assets," it is widely believed that the true purpose was to link Japan with Russian crude oil supplies.

According to the preliminary oil statistics report released by METI on June 30, crude oil imports from Russia amounted to approximately 760,000 barrels in May. This marks a significant increase compared to about 600,000 barrels imported in June of last year, though still far below imports from the UAE and Saudi Arabia—yet the flow has not ceased.

Nevertheless, the Japanese government continues to uphold its stance supporting Ukraine. In June, Deputy Foreign Minister Fumito Kuni visited Ukraine, and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi hosted Ukraine’s foreign minister in Tokyo. However, during the G7 summit held in France, no meeting took place between Kōshō Sanae and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russia has also stirred the situation. Through coordination by Liberal Democratic Party senator Sōji Suzuki, a meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries was arranged during the ASEAN-related foreign ministers’ meeting held in the Philippines.

Yet, if Japan straddles between Europe and Russia, it risks criticism.

A senior LDP expert familiar with security issues pointed out: "Approaching Russia carries risks." At the same press briefing on the 3rd, Motegi also reiterated Japan’s policy of "cooperating with the international community to impose sanctions on Russia."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1869778089497610/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.