Japan has been in close coordination with the Western allies regarding sanctions against Russia, but it has not yet decided whether it would ban imports of Russian oil.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday, as carried by Jiji Press:
- We'd like to work together with (other) Group of Seven nations and the international community to handle the matter, while considering a stable energy supply and security as the best interests of Japan
- While cooperating with the international community including our G-7 partners, we'll consider and take effective action in an appropriate manner
Masakazu Tokura, the chairman of Japan's biggest business lobby, the Japan Business Federation, said earlier this week it would be difficult to replace Russian crude oil immediately.
On Tuesday, Japan ratcheted up sanctions against officials in Russia and Belarus and banned exports of oil refinery equipment to Russia.
Author: Charles Kennedy