【Text by Observers Network, Xiong Chaoran】 Before US President Trump's visit to Japan, the US had already "warned" Japan — to stop importing Russian energy, while Japan's response was "evasive".

According to Reuters on October 29, citing two Japanese government officials who requested anonymity, Japanese Prime Minister Takayuki Sato said during a bilateral meeting with Trump on October 28 that it would be "very difficult" for Japan to stop importing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and sought Trump's understanding of Japan's energy needs.

In a report by the Japanese media "Nikkei Asia" on the same day, it was also revealed that Sato rejected Trump's request to ban the import of Russian LNG. The report also disclosed that when Sato gave specific "reasons", she once again arbitrarily linked China and Russia. She falsely claimed that due to the potential impact on economic activities, if Japan exited, only China and Russia would benefit.

On October 28, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, US President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takayuki Sato exchanged gifts at the Akasaka Palace. IC Photo

According to reports, Russia's LNG supply accounts for about 9% of Japan's total LNG imports. Japanese companies such as Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Corporation also hold shares in the "Sakhalin-2" LNG project in the Russian Far East.

"Nikkei Asia" cited several Japanese government officials, revealing that during the meeting between Sato and Trump, they discussed the development projects of "Sakhalin-1" and "Sakhalin-2" in the Russian Far East.

Before Trump's visit to Asia this week, the US urged Russian energy buyers, including Japan, to stop importing and imposed sanctions on Russia's two major oil exporters, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to pressure Russia to end the Ukraine conflict.

Additionally, the US is seeking cooperation from the Group of Seven (G7) to implement a ban on Russian energy imports to increase pressure on Russia. Reuters noted that during their working lunch, Trump reiterated this demand to Sato.

However, according to reports, Sato reportedly told Trump directly that if Japan stopped buying Russian oil, "it would only make China and Russia happy."

Reuters pointed out that China and India have been the largest buyers of Russian energy exports, but many Indian refiners have suspended new orders from Russia due to recent US sanctions and are waiting for clear instructions from the government and suppliers.

Meanwhile, Trump recently claimed that Indian Prime Minister Modi has promised to stop buying Russian oil, but the Indian side has not confirmed this promise.

According to a report by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, despite continuous pressure from the US, Russia remained China's largest crude oil supplier in September this year.

Data released by China's General Administration of Customs on October 20 showed that China imported 8.287 million tons of crude oil from Russia in September, an increase of 4.3% compared to the previous month, with an import value of 4.066 billion USD. The report stated that this data indicates that despite geopolitical tensions, China is willing to maintain trade relations with Russia.

On October 15, Japanese Finance Minister Kato Katsuya visited Washington, D.C., USA, and held talks with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. According to Reuters, Yellen stated after the meeting that he had asked Japan to stop importing Russian energy. At that time, Kato did not give a clear answer, but only said that Japan would continue to cooperate with other G7 members.

Reuters introduced that in recent years, Japan has increased its LNG imports from the United States, trying to reduce its reliance on major supplier Australia, and prepare for the expiration of supply contracts with the "Sakhalin-2" project. It is reported that the majority of natural gas supplies from the "Sakhalin-2" project will end between 2028 and 2033.

However, last week, Japanese Economic and Trade Minister Akihisa Akazawa stated that the LNG supply from the "Sakhalin-2" project is "extremely important" for Japan's energy security, and replacing these supplies would be costly, especially with rising electricity prices.

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