Oil in exchange for the Kuril Islands – Free Press

Russia is ready to offer Japanese investors stakes in its oil and gas projects. This was Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, in charge of oil and gas industry, said in an interview with Japanese publication Nikkei Asian Review, published on 22 February. And we are talking about the majority, that is, the control packets. Thus, the main beneficiaries – beneficiaries – from the development of Russian oil fields will become Japanese corporations. They will determine the economic parameters of the project. Earlier, Moscow, regarding such strategic enterprise, refused to foreigners in the decisive participation in them. Now the policy has changed

The first “bell” sounded back in November of last year, when at the conference “energy bridge Russia – Japan”. President of “Rosneft» Igor Sechin has admitted that the Russian state corporation He offered Japanese companies to enter its energy projects with total reserves of 6 billion. barrels. It was on the Sakhalin shelf, that is relatively close to Japan. Similarly, the Russian side has already cooperates with China, developing reserves in Siberia. The most famous project is the construction of gas pipeline “Power of Siberia” in the framework of the agreement between “Gazprom” and “China National Petroleum Corporation».

A radical turn from the absolute priority of state control over the subsoil to a more loyal attitude to the admission of foreigners occurred after Western sanctions aimed at depriving access to cheap credit Russia. The pretext for the restriction was the crisis in Ukraine, which has been accused of provoking Russia. Deprived of access to loans from Western banks, Russian state-owned company turned to the East, so much so quickly, that many rightly notes that no import in the financial sector did not happen – the dependence on the West just changed to dependence on China. Now in Japan will be added to China.

In an interview Dvorkovich noted that, despite the sanctions, Russia already “is constructive cooperation with Japanese companies” and it creates a fertile ground for the preparation of the visit Vladimir Putin in Japan. Trip dates are still to be determined, but the visit seems to have become so important to both sides, which diplomats say about him constantly. The apparent reason for the lack of progress is the inability to move forward in the peace treaty, as urged by Japan, and in no hurry to push Russia. The fixed according to the results of the Second World War, the Russian the status of the Kuril Islands suits Moscow and further discussion does not need. Nevertheless, the Japanese do not get tired to bring to these areas claim.

Soothe Tokyo

Apparently, to appease the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and promised the Japanese not only participate in the development of deposits but also control over them. Economic benefits – a powerful incentive, and the desire to get a “sweet” pieces of state property of the Russian territorial claims temper our eastern neighbor. So, probably, the government argued. Additionally, the Japanese promised cooperation in the development of the Kuril Islands. According to Dvorkovich, it is preparing the creation of a new type of economic zone. What is the “novelty” Deputy Prime Minister was silent, but from the context, we can assume a deeper penetration of the Japanese business in the economy of the Russian territories. Including with the establishment of economic control over them.

For Japan, this game is worth the candle. In the depths of the South Kuril Islands found many minerals:.. Gold and silver ores containing zinc, copper, vanadium etc. The most valuable is the ore of rhenium metal, used in particular in the manufacture of jet engines . There are reserves of volcanic sulfur and thermal waters – a valuable resource for the development of tourism. The Japanese invited Dvorkovich, is where to turn. This, apparently, and calculation. Leaving from confrontation, to find a common interest, and then “stifle in his arms.” Make it so that in Tokyo accepted the loss of the islands, meet current benefit. This is the way, yes, but he is unlikely to bring the expected result.

It seems that the government is offering Japanese “partners’ joint business, based on the priority of economics over politics. Mol, the Kuril problem only prevents serious people to do business, make a profit. And if you find a mutually acceptable solution, with time the problem will resolve itself – Japan accept the loss of the islands. And here capitalists ministers at risk of being trapped. Vulgar Marxism, explaining all the economic reasons for the umpteenth time can lead to the defeat of Russia. Even if the economic value of the Kuril Islands was zero, give them all the same it would be impossible for political reasons. The Nation, a country that voluntarily give up their land, will be doomed to give, give and give. Kuriles become a precedent. Behind them can be followed and Sakhalin.

For the same reason, Japan continues to demand the return of her territories. Moreover, this common position for all its political forces, regardless of color. During the reign of Boris Yeltsin The country of the rising sun at some point was close to success, however, the planned visit by a Russian president to Japan, during which it could be fatal, has been, in fact, frustrated members of the unit, considers the transfer of islands unacceptable. Since then, Russia has only increasing its presence, including the military.

However, recently in Tokyo changed tactics. Confrontational rhetoric changed flattery and peacefulness. “In order to resolve the territorial dispute, the conclusion of a peace treaty, we will step by step to strengthen relations in a wide range of areas such as the economy, energy and culture. We will look for any opportunity for building a dialogue “, – he said Prime Minister Abe , and even set up a special post of special representative for relations with Russia. Its function is just and will include preparation of a peace treaty. Another remarkable initiative – to represent the interests of Russia at the upcoming G-7 Summit, where Japan in 2016. The chairman of the

Knowing that it is impossible to force to return the Kuril Islands, Japan literally trying to ingratiate himself.. “The territorial issue is not simple … To both sides of the solution to this problem is accompanied by risk. However, we managed with President Putin to develop a trusting relationship. I totally trust him. I think that Putin understands that the solution will positively affect the development of Russia “, – said the other day, Shinzo Abe, the same publication Nikkei Asian Review. Earlier it announced in 2016 an informal meeting of Abe and Putin on the territorial issue in Khabarovsk and Vladivostok. As you can see, the interest of Japanese politicians to the topic did not quenched. They only change the ways of achieving goals. Try different.

Under these conditions to rely on appeasing Tokyo, hope that the political elite of Japan, you can “buy” for economic preferences naive and short-sighted. The very attempt – is a demonstration of weakness. Even if we can win the time is now, the next generation of Japanese politicians continue to stick to their line. But the conditions under which they will operate, may change not in favor of Russia. Recall the fall of 2015 with the Japan Self-Defense Forces for the first time received the right to conduct military operations outside the country, and financing of the armed forces increased to a record 42 billion. Dollars. In view of the political and military support of the US – this is a significant strength. One day it may be set in motion.

The only solution can be a solid and constant “no” to all the claims of the Japanese, and even the refusal to conduct a joint business with them if they pedaliruyut topic Kuriles. Do not try to buy so their location. On the contrary, it is necessary to put the joint economic projects in relation to their political behavior. At the word “Kurils” should immediately say goodbye.