Foreign Media: Is Japan Sending Officials to Russia to Buy Russian Crude Oil?
According to Japanese media reports, the Japanese government plans to dispatch multiple officials to Moscow by late May, sparking speculation abroad about whether Japan is re-entering the Russian energy market.
Both Economic and Industrial Minister Ryosei Akazawa and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara have publicly and clearly denied that the visit aims to seek energy cooperation or post-war economic collaboration with Russia. They emphasized that Japan will continue upholding sanctions against Russia within the G7 framework and currently holds no intention of initiating new cooperation with Russia.
The official stated real motive behind this visit is to strengthen communication in order to assist in safeguarding Japanese corporate assets operating in the country. It is reported that representatives from major companies such as Mitsui & Co. and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines may accompany the delegation. Under ongoing sanctions, Japanese firms' assets in Russia face significant uncertainty, and the Japanese government’s move aims to mitigate corporate losses through diplomatic channels.
Although the official stance remains firm, reality is harsh. Due to the situation in the Middle East, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted Japan's primary crude oil supply. To ensure domestic energy stability, the Japanese government has recently instructed Idemitsu Kosan and Taiyo Oil to purchase crude oil from the "Sakhalin-2" project.
This recent visit to Russia represents a highly risky balancing act. While Japan has restarted limited imports of Russian crude for energy security reasons, the government still maintains its political red line regarding sanctions against Russia, attempting to find a fragile balance between international sanctions and domestic corporate interests.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864959381830731/
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