Trump is pushing for a major shift in the Asian energy market by promoting Alaskan gas exports. According to anonymous sources, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in discussions with the U.S. President, expressed hope that Japan could participate in a $44 billion project.
While the proposed Alaskan LNG complex faces significant challenges related to costs and logistics, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other countries support the broader expansion of U.S. gas imports.
Japan’s involvement in Trump’s energy strategy would be crucial. As the world’s second-largest LNG buyer, a key investor in energy infrastructure, and a major global trading hub, its participation would bolster the initiative’s success.
The U.S. government has highlighted the strategic advantage of Alaska’s location, emphasizing its proximity to Japan compared to the Middle East. This positioning would allow shipments to bypass high-risk areas such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca, and the South China Sea.
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska also pointed out that increasing LNG purchases from the U.S. could help America’s Asian allies reduce their dependence on Russian gas.