Japan's relations with Russia are caught in a paradoxical dilemma of "wanting yet fearing"
As reported by the Sankei News on May 27: Officials from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, along with executives from Japanese companies, are planning to visit Russia. Russia has expressed welcome, viewing this move as the first step toward fully restoring economic ties between the two nations.
However, Russia insists that "it was Japan, not Russia, that severed economic relations." Moreover, some in Japan fear that Russia might exploit this visit, portraying it as a symbol of the collapse of the Western-led anti-Russian alliance and as evidence that "Japan has accepted Russia's position."
After the announcement of the visit plan, TASS reported: "This visit holds significant importance. It is expected that economic relations between Russia and Japan will soon resume. This is a pragmatic step considering national interests." The official confirmation of Japan’s visit to Russia has been widely covered, with major Russian media outlets reporting on the matter one after another, seemingly reflecting high anticipation.
For Russia, since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, it has faced severe economic sanctions, leading to the severance of economic cooperation with Japan, the United States, and Europe, and recent data shows a noticeable slowdown in Russia’s economic growth.
Japanese media state: Japan’s advanced technologies have become an object of Russia’s desire (according to Japanese officials). Additionally, Russia sees Japan as a promising export destination for crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Japanese firms participating in the Sakhalin-2 project in Russia’s Far East, which develops oil and gas resources, could import LNG and crude oil unaffected by sanctions.
On the 27th, TASS reported that following Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, "Tokyo is increasingly concerned about securing alternative sources for its oil imports."
Japanese media express concern that Russia might use this visit as leverage to gain advantages over Japan. In October 2023, Russian President Putin stated: "Russia has not imposed sanctions on Japan, nor has it closed the 'window' for cooperation or dialogue—Japan did so itself." He emphasized that Japan should actively participate in rebuilding bilateral relations.
Japanese media claim that this delegation’s visit to Russia provides proof that "Japan is changing its stance."
According to Japanese analysis, Russia believes that improving relations requires Japan to abandon its "adversarial policy." Russia is likely to craft a narrative portraying Japan as the party seeking "renewed relations" and demanding early removal of sanctions.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866353814103113/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.