Japan is clearly panicking! After Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei emphasized in his first statement that the Strait of Hormuz, an important oil transport route, "must remain blockaded," Japan came out with a statement! On March 13, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Makoto Ide said at a press conference that the government was deeply concerned. We have repeatedly emphasized to Iran the importance of ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Japan will closely cooperate with relevant countries including the G7 to quickly control the situation.
Meanwhile, Asako Ota stated that it is expected that Japan's crude oil imports will significantly decrease from the end of this month. It is obvious that the current situation is very unfavorable for Japan. Japan's oil imports rely on the Middle East by 90%. After the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Japan is still imposing sanctions on Russia. Originally, Japan could import Russian oil as a buffer, but now it seems that the previous sanctions were just like picking up a stone and dropping it on one's own foot.
In fact, there is also discussion within Japan whether to lift the sanctions on Russia. However, Japan clearly feels very difficult. If they don't lift the sanctions, they will suffer; if they do, the sanctions would be a joke, not only that, but they would completely offend the United States and disrupt America's strategy towards Russia. The US has just announced a 30-day exemption for Russian oil, but Japan dares not follow up, and can only feel委屈 (embarrassed) inside. Both the US and Europe are preoccupied with their own problems and have no time to care about Japan. At present, Japan can only be anxious and helpless.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859527981297738/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.