Japan resists U.S. push to ban Russian LNG imports

AWANI

: Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told U.S. President Donald Trump that banning Russian LNG imports would harm Japan’s energy security, urging Washington to understand Tokyo’s dependence on Russian gas despite growing U.S. pressure.

Transcript

00:00In other news, Japanese Prime Minister Sanai Takaichi tells U.S. President Donald Trump

00:05that banning imports of Russian LNG will be extremely difficult,

00:10adding that such a move could hurt Japan's economy and benefit China instead.

00:14The comments come as the U.S. steps up pressure on countries still buying Russian energy,

00:19including Japan, to halt purchases amid new sanctions against Moscow's oil industry.

00:24During their meeting on Tuesday, the Nikkei Business Daily reported that Takaichi told Trump

00:32a complete withdrawal from Russian LNGs would only allow China and Russia to grow closer,

00:37adding that Japan's energy needs must be taken into account.

00:41Russian LNG currently accounts for about 9% of Japan's total imports,

00:46with companies Mitsui and Mitsubishi holding stakes in the Sakalin II project.

00:50Tokyo has already boosted U.S. LNG purchases to diversify supply sources

00:55while continuing to import small amounts of Russian oil

00:58under a sanctions waiver that expires in December.

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