The following is from the serial column of Ms. Sakurai Yoshiko, who brings the weekly Shincho released today to a successful conclusion.
This article also proves that she is a "national treasure," as defined by Saicho, the supreme national treasure.
It is a must-read not only for the people of Japan but also for people around the world.
The emphasis in the text other than the headline is mine.
The Changing World Order as India and Russia Draw Closer
The world has entered an era of reordering the balance of power, with significant changes in international relations centered on oil and natural gas supply.
It is already globally recognized that China chose a pro-Russian line in its war of aggression against Ukraine.
But we must also pay attention to India, another great power on the Eurasian continent.
While China has not wavered one millimeter in its pro-Russian position, it has been careful to keep as low a profile as possible.
India, by contrast, has been deepening its pro-Russia diplomacy in a manner that is obvious to all.
The Indo-Pacific concept proposed by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has become a cornerstone of the U.S. strategy in Asia. Japan, the United States, and Australia have been promoting the Quadripartite Strategic Dialogue, or QUAD, which includes India and confronts China.
However, changes in India could cast a deep shadow over QUAD.
India's deeper allegiance to Russia could lead to Russia expanding its influence in Asia by leveraging its energy supplies.
If relations between the two countries deepen beyond the serious border disputes between India and China, Japan will be confronted with a more significant threat of Sino-Indian-Russian collaboration.
On June 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order that effectively seized "Sakhalin II," an unthinkable order to Japan and the rest of the world.
Japan has been cooperating with the public and private sectors in this natural gas development project off the coast of Sakhalin in the Far East.
It stated that it would continue this project even after the outbreak of the war of aggression against Ukraine.
The de facto seizure order is tantamount to a slap in the face to such a Japan.
What will happen to the world and Japan if Russia, which endorses a heavy-handed approach, China, which is equally heavy-handed but in fact much more cunning than Russia in taking other countries' interests and territory, and India, which is expected to overtake China in population in the near future and to become a democratic force in the region, build a single power?
On June 29, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced its strategic concept to guide the next decade.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was the first Japanese prime minister to attend the NATO summit.
A Piece of Paper for Mr. Putin
The new Strategic Concept changed the previous definition of the relationship with Russia as a "strategic partnership" and redefined it as the "most important and direct threat" to the West.
The situation in the Indo-Pacific region "directly affects Europe and the Atlantic," and NATO will deepen dialogue and cooperation with those countries, he said.
China is a country that poses a "systemic challenge" to the West.
The statement showed the world that there are two spheres of influence with different values and that both sides are in irreconcilable conflict.
After NATO declared its determination, Indian Prime Minister Modi held a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin two days later, on July 1, to discuss economic cooperation.
He announced that India would promote economic cooperation with Russia.
It can see as an indication of India's decision to strengthen its pro-Russian line in the construction of the international order after the war of aggression against Ukraine.
As is clear from the example of Sakhalin II, Russia will do whatever it takes to win.
International treaties and contracts are equivalent to scraps of paper to Mr. Putin.
The same is true of China, which only cares about its own interests.
In this very conflict between countries with different values, the West's efforts to gradually reduce imports of Russian oil and natural gas, or even to unite behind an import ban, will not go far enough to impose sufficient sanctions on Russia and stop its war of aggression against Ukraine.
The main reason Russia is holding up is that China and India have significantly increased their imports of Russian oil.
In India's case, last year's imports were 33,000 barrels per day.
In March of this year, after the outbreak of the war of aggression in Ukraine, it increased to 600,000 barrels per day, and in June, it further increased to 1.15 million barrels per day.
The Indian defense, led by Foreign Minister Jaishankar, is rough as follows.
The West (the U.S.) says to impose sanctions on Iran and Venezuela and restrict oil imports.
But the war of aggression against Ukraine has also raised international prices.
How will they meet domestic demand?
How will it curb the rise in oil prices and the resulting inflation?
In neighboring Sri Lanka, fuel shortages and inflation have led to widespread demonstrations and violence throughout the country.
India definitely wants to avoid the same kind of turmoil.
Russia is willing to accept a deal at a 30% discount from international prices.
Then it would be natural to accept it, he said.
This way of thinking is also advantageous for Russia.
Since the price of crude oil itself has risen to the $100 per barrel level, even a 30% discount would be profitable enough.
Ridiculous Policy
In this column, I have introduced the geopolitical logic of Nicholas Spykman, Brzezinski, and others.
Spykman argued roughly in the 1940s about the importance of Eurasia, the world's largest continent.
The potential of the entire Eurasian landmass, two and a half times the size and ten times the population (at that time) of the United States, could overwhelm the U.S. in the future."
Spykman and Brzezinski say that preventing the unification of Eurasia through a hostile alliance is the most crucial issue for the United States.
The same should be valid for Japan.
Soon, China will be the dominant power on the Eurasian continent, overpowering Russia.
What will happen if India joins it?
India has been deepening its relations with the former Soviet Union (Russia) since World War II.
Although it initially advocated non-alignment and took a neutral position, it has effectively committed itself to the other side's camp.
As a result, India has depended on Russia for almost 60% of its military equipment.
Moreover, if India strengthens its dependence on Russia for crude oil, it will not be able to stay away from Russia. Instead, the energy problem will strengthen the cooperative relationship between China, Russia, and India.
Is Prime Minister Kishida aware of the seriousness of this situation and the changing dynamics of the international community?
Japan is suffering from power shortages amid a heat wave.
It does not mean that Japan should rely on Russian energy or China-led energy supply systems.
Japan can generate enough electricity independently without relying on Russian natural gas or Chinese technology.
Nuclear power is supported by 100% domestic technology.
Many in the opposition say that nuclear power is dangerous.
However, if you visit the nuclear power plants, you will realize that the safety of Japan's nuclear power plants has reached the highest level in the world since the 3.11 accident.
The Kishida administration's economic policy, "Honebuto no hōshin," calls for a 10-year, 150 trillion yen investment in wind power generation as the primary source of decarbonization.
Like solar power, wind power cannot support Japan's energy needs.
In addition, China has the world's largest share of wind power generation facilities.
All of Japan's investment in wind power will be poured into China.
It is time to immediately review this foolish policy and vigorously promote the construction of new nuclear power plants, where Japan can demonstrate its capabilities.
This article also proves that she is a "national treasure," as defined by Saicho, the supreme national treasure.
It is a must-read not only for the people of Japan but also for people around the world.
The emphasis in the text other than the headline is mine.
The Changing World Order as India and Russia Draw Closer
The world has entered an era of reordering the balance of power, with significant changes in international relations centered on oil and natural gas supply.
It is already globally recognized that China chose a pro-Russian line in its war of aggression against Ukraine.
But we must also pay attention to India, another great power on the Eurasian continent.
While China has not wavered one millimeter in its pro-Russian position, it has been careful to keep as low a profile as possible.
India, by contrast, has been deepening its pro-Russia diplomacy in a manner that is obvious to all.
The Indo-Pacific concept proposed by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has become a cornerstone of the U.S. strategy in Asia. Japan, the United States, and Australia have been promoting the Quadripartite Strategic Dialogue, or QUAD, which includes India and confronts China.
However, changes in India could cast a deep shadow over QUAD.
India's deeper allegiance to Russia could lead to Russia expanding its influence in Asia by leveraging its energy supplies.
If relations between the two countries deepen beyond the serious border disputes between India and China, Japan will be confronted with a more significant threat of Sino-Indian-Russian collaboration.
On June 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order that effectively seized "Sakhalin II," an unthinkable order to Japan and the rest of the world.
Japan has been cooperating with the public and private sectors in this natural gas development project off the coast of Sakhalin in the Far East.
It stated that it would continue this project even after the outbreak of the war of aggression against Ukraine.
The de facto seizure order is tantamount to a slap in the face to such a Japan.
What will happen to the world and Japan if Russia, which endorses a heavy-handed approach, China, which is equally heavy-handed but in fact much more cunning than Russia in taking other countries' interests and territory, and India, which is expected to overtake China in population in the near future and to become a democratic force in the region, build a single power?
On June 29, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced its strategic concept to guide the next decade.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was the first Japanese prime minister to attend the NATO summit.
A Piece of Paper for Mr. Putin
The new Strategic Concept changed the previous definition of the relationship with Russia as a "strategic partnership" and redefined it as the "most important and direct threat" to the West.
The situation in the Indo-Pacific region "directly affects Europe and the Atlantic," and NATO will deepen dialogue and cooperation with those countries, he said.
China is a country that poses a "systemic challenge" to the West.
The statement showed the world that there are two spheres of influence with different values and that both sides are in irreconcilable conflict.
After NATO declared its determination, Indian Prime Minister Modi held a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin two days later, on July 1, to discuss economic cooperation.
He announced that India would promote economic cooperation with Russia.
It can see as an indication of India's decision to strengthen its pro-Russian line in the construction of the international order after the war of aggression against Ukraine.
As is clear from the example of Sakhalin II, Russia will do whatever it takes to win.
International treaties and contracts are equivalent to scraps of paper to Mr. Putin.
The same is true of China, which only cares about its own interests.
In this very conflict between countries with different values, the West's efforts to gradually reduce imports of Russian oil and natural gas, or even to unite behind an import ban, will not go far enough to impose sufficient sanctions on Russia and stop its war of aggression against Ukraine.
The main reason Russia is holding up is that China and India have significantly increased their imports of Russian oil.
In India's case, last year's imports were 33,000 barrels per day.
In March of this year, after the outbreak of the war of aggression in Ukraine, it increased to 600,000 barrels per day, and in June, it further increased to 1.15 million barrels per day.
The Indian defense, led by Foreign Minister Jaishankar, is rough as follows.
The West (the U.S.) says to impose sanctions on Iran and Venezuela and restrict oil imports.
But the war of aggression against Ukraine has also raised international prices.
How will they meet domestic demand?
How will it curb the rise in oil prices and the resulting inflation?
In neighboring Sri Lanka, fuel shortages and inflation have led to widespread demonstrations and violence throughout the country.
India definitely wants to avoid the same kind of turmoil.
Russia is willing to accept a deal at a 30% discount from international prices.
Then it would be natural to accept it, he said.
This way of thinking is also advantageous for Russia.
Since the price of crude oil itself has risen to the $100 per barrel level, even a 30% discount would be profitable enough.
Ridiculous Policy
In this column, I have introduced the geopolitical logic of Nicholas Spykman, Brzezinski, and others.
Spykman argued roughly in the 1940s about the importance of Eurasia, the world's largest continent.
The potential of the entire Eurasian landmass, two and a half times the size and ten times the population (at that time) of the United States, could overwhelm the U.S. in the future."
Spykman and Brzezinski say that preventing the unification of Eurasia through a hostile alliance is the most crucial issue for the United States.
The same should be valid for Japan.
Soon, China will be the dominant power on the Eurasian continent, overpowering Russia.
What will happen if India joins it?
India has been deepening its relations with the former Soviet Union (Russia) since World War II.
Although it initially advocated non-alignment and took a neutral position, it has effectively committed itself to the other side's camp.
As a result, India has depended on Russia for almost 60% of its military equipment.
Moreover, if India strengthens its dependence on Russia for crude oil, it will not be able to stay away from Russia. Instead, the energy problem will strengthen the cooperative relationship between China, Russia, and India.
Is Prime Minister Kishida aware of the seriousness of this situation and the changing dynamics of the international community?
Japan is suffering from power shortages amid a heat wave.
It does not mean that Japan should rely on Russian energy or China-led energy supply systems.
Japan can generate enough electricity independently without relying on Russian natural gas or Chinese technology.
Nuclear power is supported by 100% domestic technology.
Many in the opposition say that nuclear power is dangerous.
However, if you visit the nuclear power plants, you will realize that the safety of Japan's nuclear power plants has reached the highest level in the world since the 3.11 accident.
The Kishida administration's economic policy, "Honebuto no hōshin," calls for a 10-year, 150 trillion yen investment in wind power generation as the primary source of decarbonization.
Like solar power, wind power cannot support Japan's energy needs.
In addition, China has the world's largest share of wind power generation facilities.
All of Japan's investment in wind power will be poured into China.
It is time to immediately review this foolish policy and vigorously promote the construction of new nuclear power plants, where Japan can demonstrate its capabilities.
