Japan Resists US Pressure on Russian LNG Imports
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reportedly conveyed to former US President Donald Trump that imposing an embargo on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) would negatively impact Japan’s economy, prompting the country to continue its imports of Russian LNG despite international pressure. Takaichi expressed her stance during Trump’s visit to Tokyo, emphasizing Japan’s energy security concerns.
The US Treasury Secretary had previously called for Japan to end Russian energy purchases, further underscoring the geopolitical tensions surrounding energy sanctions. Japan’s decision to maintain ties with Russian energy suppliers highlights the complex balancing act between economic interests and geopolitical alliances.
In addition to the LNG issue, the talks between Trump and Takaichi also reportedly covered the Sakhalin-1 and Sak,2 oil and gas projects in Russia’s Far East, which are partly owned by Japanese firms. Sakhalin-1 is operated by Russia’s state-run oil company Rosneft, which was sanctioned by the US earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the European Union has agreed to phase out Russian LNG imports as part of its 19th sanctions package adopted in October. The measures, approved after months of US lobbying, stipulate that short-term contracts must expire within six months and all remaining Russian gas imports, including LNG, must end by January 1, 2028.
Moscow has decried restrictions leveled against it by the EU and US as “illegal and self-defeating.”
Takaichi, a hardline conservative who assumed office last week, is reportedly known for prioritizing Japan’s strategic and economic security over foreign pressure. Japan is not alone in resisting Washington’s demands: in early October, Turkey also rejected US calls to abandon Russian gas, citing energy security.