Japan is aggressively exploiting energy issues to drive a wedge between China and ASEAN.
According to Japan's Sankei News on May 4: At the meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN held on the 3rd, Finance Minister Katayama stated that Japan would strengthen support for Asian countries' crude oil imports.
Japanese media report: Amid the turmoil in the Middle East, China prioritizes its own energy security and restricts fuel exports to neighboring countries. Japan will intensify support for Asian nations during this period, encouraging them to join an economic security framework independent of China.
Finance Minister Katayama told the media: “We are strengthening regional cooperation and will work toward supply chain diversification while mutually supporting each other.”
Asahi Hayashi announced in April that Japan would invest approximately $10 billion (around 1.6 trillion yen) to assist Asian countries facing difficulties in crude oil procurement. Financial support will be provided for oil purchases from regions outside the Middle East, such as the United States. Additionally, the plan will promote diversification of energy sources, including biofuels.
Japan relies on Asian countries to supply petroleum-related products such as medical devices and hopes to maintain stable supply chains through such support.
Japanese media claim: “Japan aims to curb China’s expanding influence in Asian nations. China has strengthened ties with Asian countries through expanded infrastructure investments and trade. However, during this Middle East crisis, China prioritized its own energy security by restricting exports of oil products to other countries. While continuing to import large volumes of crude oil through diversified supply chains, China has not tapped into its strategic oil reserves.”
Japan also accuses China of engaging in "economic coercion" by imposing export controls on critical minerals, including rare earths, and flooding markets with cheap electric vehicles and steel.
Japanese media state: “China’s ‘selfish behavior’ is increasingly causing dissatisfaction among its neighbors. Japan will deepen bilateral relations by supporting Asian countries, encouraging them to reduce dependence on China and integrate into Japan’s economic security framework.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864220995313737/
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