China News Service, August 4th. According to the Kyodo News Agency of Japan, regarding the Russian government's decree requiring the establishment of a new company to take over the operation of the oil and gas development project "Sakhalin 2", Japan's Minister of Economy and Industry Koichi Hagi Ikuta told the media on the 4th. , "(Japan)'s policy of maintaining rights and interests remains unchanged."
According to the report, Hagiita Koichi also emphasized that "Sakhalin 2 is an important interest for the stable supply of energy", showing a positive attitude towards the two Japanese companies participating in the project continuing to invest in the new company.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroichi Matsuno said on the same day: "We will respond in the form of 'the government and the people' to protect the rights and interests of Japanese companies and ensure a stable supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG)."
Japan's Mitsui & Co. and Mitsubishi Corporation invested 12.5% and 10% respectively in the current operating company "Sakhalin Energy".
The two companies commented on the 4th that they "understood the (Russian) decree and will examine the contents in detail." Regarding future responses, the two companies said that "will be discussed on the basis of cooperation with the Japanese government and partners."
In order to maintain future rights and interests, the Japanese side needs to file a declaration within one month of the establishment of the new company, and the two companies are stepping up to confirm the relevant conditions.
According to reports, about 9% of Japan's LNG imports come from Russia.
LNG is used as a fuel for thermal power generation, and "Sakhalin 2" is an important project for Japan in terms of stable power supply.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a presidential decree on June 30, announcing that due to the impact of Western sanctions, Russia will establish a new company to take over the energy cooperation development project "Sakhalin 2" between Russia and Japan.