Japan maintains energy cooperation with Russia despite US alliance, Russian Foreign Ministry says
Quick Look
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Japan continues to emphasize energy cooperation with Russia and maintains its presence in Russian oil and gas projects, while questioning why the US pressures China and India over similar cooperation but allows Japan to engage with Russia.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Japan has maintained certain energy ties with Russia despite Western sanctions following Russia's actions in Ukraine, balancing its alliance with the United States against its energy security needs.
MOSCOW, September 14. /TASS/. Japan emphasizes the importance of energy cooperation with Russia and maintains its presence in oil and gas projects on Russian territory, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an interview with TASS.
The diplomat noted that Tokyo maintains and reaffirms the importance of its relations and energy cooperation with Moscow, "in particular, on the matter of Russian natural gas for ensuring Japan’s national energy security."
"Japan maintains its presence in oil and gas projects in our country, while at the same time being one of the US' closest allies," Zakharova noted.
In this regard, the diplomat questioned the reasons behind the US’ endless attempts to "reprimand or even pressure China and India" for their cooperation with Russia, even though these and many other countries have observed that Washington "allows Japan to develop energy cooperation with Russia."
"Well, actually, I think everyone should draw the appropriate conclusions, which I am sure they will," Zakharova concluded.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Japan will continue its energy cooperation with Russia while managing diplomatic relations with the United States
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Which specific oil and gas projects in Russia is Japan maintaining involvement in?
- How has Japan's energy cooperation with Russia evolved since the imposition of international sanctions?
- What is the official US stance on Japan's continued energy engagement with Russia?
