The United States has urged Japan to halt its imports of Russian energy, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He announced on social media that he had discussed Washington’s expectations with Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato during Kato’s visit. Japan is heavily reliant on foreign oil and gas; in 2023 it imported roughly 582 billion yen (about $3.9 billion) of Russian liquefied natural gas, representing 8.9 percent of its total LNG imports.
When approached for comment, Kato declined to discuss Bessent’s statement, instead emphasizing Japan’s commitment to work with G7 partners toward a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. The call to curb Russian energy purchases follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that India would cease buying oil from Moscow. Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil, although the transition would be gradual. Historically, India has maintained strong ties with Russia and continued buying its oil despite the invasion of Ukraine. In August, the United States imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports, citing concerns that India’s actions were fueling the conflict.
In addition to energy issues, Bessent and Kato discussed plans to mobilize Japan’s strategic investment in the United States through the U.S.–Japan trade and investment agreement. The development highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics as countries navigate their relationships with Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The U.S. push for Japan to stop buying Russian energy underscores continued efforts to exert economic pressure on Moscow and reinforce international cooperation in addressing the crisis.
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