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Russia and China according to The Diplomat, they can use their economic ties with Japan to circumvent Western sanctions. US analyst Francis Sheen stressed that Japan is reluctant to impose sanctions because it is trying to maintain strategic relations with both countries.
Japan and China are therefore linked by close economic relations. Tens of thousands of Chinese tourists visit Japan each year and bring money to the treasury; Japanese specialists work in China itself. At the same time, Japan is politically concerned about the growth of China's military power, its appetite and its demands on the disputed territories.
As for Russia, Japan is interested in importing Russian energy resources. As a result, Japan's position is unique – it is an ally of the United States, but in reality it seeks to strengthen relations with China and Russia.
All this can allow Russia and China to circumvent Western sanctions, because Japan is closely integrated into the international financial system. “When Japan imposed the sanctions, they were so limited that some analysts called them symbolic,” the report said. Tokyo waited several months before joining the sanctions against the Russian Federation after its reunification with Crimea.
In addition, Russia and China are working on de-dollarization and are even considering the Japanese as an alternative. All this makes Japan a “weak link” when it comes to occupying Russia and China, Shin is convinced.