US Pressures Japan to Halt Russian Oil Imports Amid Talks on Strategic Investment
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Wednesday that he had conveyed the Trump administration’s expectation that Japan cease importing Russian energy. The statement followed his meeting with Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato, during which both sides discussed key aspects of the US-Japan economic partnership.
Bessent stated on the social media platform X that their talks included “important issues pertaining to the U.S.-Japan economic relationship and the Administration’s expectation that Japan stop importing Russian energy.” The closed-door meeting was part of broader discussions under the US-Japan Trade and Investment Agreement, focusing on mobilizing Japan’s strategic investment in the United States.
According to a statement from the US Treasury Department, the two officials also exchanged views on global security concerns and reaffirmed the G7’s commitment to intensify economic pressure on Russia. The move signals Washington’s intent to align its allies more closely with its energy policy and sanctions strategy against Moscow.
