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Russia proposes building natural gas pipeline to Japan: Nikkei

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South China Sea is looking unstable! Japan is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Japan should go green! Tap into the magma generating heat to provide MORE electricity, etc. Throw off the shackles of "sending cash" overseas for electricity.

Put an "electric surcharge tax" on imported manufactured products to assist the companies which do manufacturing in Japan (and pay higher electric rates.)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's a good idea, will provide jobs, cheaper and cleaner fuel and increase ties between Russia and Japan. I'm sure those against it are probably from one certain country.

Pick a country in Europe:

http://business.financialpost.com/2014/03/18/how-europe-is-turning-to-north-america-to-wean-itself-off-russian-energy-exports/

Yeah so much for increasing ties

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Asakaze

Well you do have me that Russia always has a contract to make its despicable actions "valid". Now you are having Ukraine pay more than Germany for its gas. How nice of you. It is clear to me that all discounts ended for political motivations. The lesson for Japan should be: don't trust a cocaine dealer to give you a fair deal.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

How's Japan been doing energy-wise since the nuclear plant cuts?

Russia / Japan can probably make this work.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Japan must be wary of this deal and the terms. Putin has shown in the past he won't hesitate to turn off the gas to get his way.

paulinusa -- spot on. As the saying goes "beware the wolf in sheep's clothing". Putin is a master strategist and he sees a big opportunity here with Japan, and a possible way to drive a wedge between Japan and the U.S. He knows full well that with the nukes all off-line, Japan is having to import a huge amount of natural gas, so he steps in with this pipeline deal. Which, puts pressure on Japan and possibly make it less likely to follow the U.S. lead on things like sanctions the next time Putin oversteps his bounds -- which is 100% certain. Not saying Japan should not do it. It may be in their best interests. But don't think for one minute there are not huge strings attached.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Sounds like a good idea as long as Russia pays for the construction of the pipeline and Japan keeps in check how much of its overall energy needs are sourced from it (so as to not be overly dependent). I think everybody gets, yeah its Russia and you will always have the risk of them stopping the flow and using this as a political weapon. Which is why Japan should diversify their sources so that no one supplier running dry can have a devastating effect.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Sounds like a good deal until Washington decides to shove down cheap oil down Japan's throat. Then Japan will have to make a tough decision to show unquestioned loyalty to US or take the more risky but economically sound route & deal with Russians.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@scipantheist

Wrong example. Problems with Ukraine were not problems with cutting off supply at your whim, it were problems of transit country (Ukraine) stealing gas enroute to end user (Western Europe). Russia pumped gas in the pipeline in amounts strictly according to the contract terms, so you're off the mark here.

My question to Pandabelle (and you, if you're on the subject) is - can you give us even one example of Russia using the gas pipeline to force some political concessions from its customers in Western Europe? Hint: no European country ever complained. And again, Ukraine does not count, they're just thieves and freeloaders.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

It's a good idea, will provide jobs, cheaper and cleaner fuel and increase ties between Russia and Japan. I'm sure those against it are probably from one certain country.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Sweet mercy. Would you seriously consider making a deal with someone who would love to use this pipeline against you in the future if there was ever a disagreement?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I think pipeline natural gas supply to Japan is a good idea. In any case potential gas supply volume would not exceed 15% of overall Japan gas consumption and thus would not be a decisive tool in Russo-Japanese political agenda. On a flip side, it may significantly reduce nation energy bill paid by gas and power companies for imported LNG and more importantly will provide a leverage to reduce prices further in negotiations with LNG suppliers.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Except when Russia wants to make a point to punish someone, then they cut those countries off. They can't be relied upon.

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/28515983/ns/world_news-europe/t/europeans-shiver-russia-cuts-gas-shipments/

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

So they have been at it day and night demonising Russia.

What's the Russian version of the 50 cent army called - the 20 ruble army?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Business is Business and if both Parties agree why not. Russian Haters are out in Force. Russia has been fighting terrorism for Decades. Look at the countries that have been invading one country after another. Its NOT Russia. State Dept Vic. Nuland is on Tape stating they spent $5 Billion orchestrating the Coup in Ukraine. Its on tape. The "Right Sector" clear Neo Nazis were also used. So get the Facts right. They use the same tricks for "Regime Change". Demonise someone and then invade them. So they have been at it day and night demonising Russia.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

@Asakaze With Ukraine plenty of times: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia%E2%80%93Ukraine_gas_disputes

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Except when Russia wants to make a point to punish someone, then they cut those countries off.

OK, give me one example when Russia did this.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Western Europe buys Russian gas since Soviet times, and all these years Europeans were pretty much happy with the deal.

Except when Russia wants to make a point to punish someone, then they cut those countries off. They can't be relied upon.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Russian, or any other foreign gas will not work in Japanese stoves, heaters etc.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Russia has a poor trackrecord with Japan

Russia supplied to Japan additional amounts of liquid gas just after the March-2011 disaster to help Japan to mitigate its energy problems. Some people just don't have any sense of gratitude.

We don't need to do business with a non-democracy.

Japan buys oil and gas from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. You mean these countries are model democracies? Can you tell me when they did hold the last national elections? And what about China as a business partner?

Russia has shown they will not provide stable gas supplies at al

Western Europe buys Russian gas since Soviet times, and all these years Europeans were pretty much happy with the deal.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

more stable gas supplies

I think this is the biggest problem with such a deal. Russia has shown they will not provide stable gas supplies at all, they use their gas supplies as a political bludgeon to get their way.

Japan is better served by looking elsewhere and developing its own resources.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

This actually sounds like a very good idea - cheaper and more stable gas supplies plus cleaner energy. The only drawback would be the dangers of dependency on Russian gas, although Russian energy is usually negotiated on long term contracts so the risk is small.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

It would be a good thing, if Russia is not ruling by a bunch of egoistic dictator. Putin tries to drug Japan with Russia's natural gas addiction, and pulling the plug at his convenient. Northern territory issue must be resolved and new democratic Russia will be welcome as business partner. Otherwise, stay out of Ukraine and freedom to Russia.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The only deal Japan should take is one that returns ALL the Kurils. We don't need to do business with a non-democracy.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Wow!! Just build it! And contract me :) Pipeline=more job! There is no russian speaking people here so supply will be stable :)

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Japan must be wary of this deal and the terms. Putin has shown in the past he won't hesitate to turn off the gas to get his way.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Sure Mr. Putin, Go ahead and build your pipeline to Japan but with your own money. We'll buy your oil at a discount since you desparately want/need to sell your crude but Japan makes no investment whatsoever. Use your own pipes, your own labor, and then we buy.

Russia has a poor trackrecord with Japan and that's the same as having poor credit. You want to sell, bring it over, we'll inspect and pay for it. Sayonara and come again.

Gentlemen, that's how business is supposed to WORK.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

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