In Geopolitics Today: Friday, December 30th
Japan Strengthens Energy Ties in the Middle East, China and Russia Reaffirm Cooperative Bilateral Relations, and other stories.
Japan Strengthens Energy Ties in the Middle East
Oman's state-owned liquified natural gas company — Oman LNG — has signed three natural gas supply agreements with Japanese companies Itouchu, Jera, and Mitsui. The deals represents 2.35 million metric tons per year of additional Japanese LNG from 2025 onwards.
The governments of Oman and Japan also signed cooperation agreements related to hydrogen, clean ammonia, carbon recycling, oil, and natural gas. Oman is seeking to boost its gas output, particularly with sales to Asia, and is also seeking more cooperation with Iran in this regard. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in hydrogen and ammonia as fuel sources and in carbon capture technology, and Japan is the third-largest economy in the world. The two countries also signed memorandums of understanding related to carbon recycling, ammonia, and hydrogen, and held a joint investment, signing 15 additional bilateral agreements.
Read more about this story here.
China Expresses Willingness to Improve Relations with India
Relations between India and China have been strained in recent years, with the Indian foreign minister stating that they are going through an "extremely difficult phase" and that the state of their border will determine the state of their relationship. China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, has stated that China is ready to work with India to improve bilateral ties.
Tensions between the two countries have been exacerbated by a clash between their troops near Tawang earlier this month, and despite 17 rounds of talks, the two have not been able to resolve their differences and accomplish a complete military disengagement. Wang Yi has indicated a desire to reset relations with India. During a symposium on international relations and China's foreign relations for 2022, Wang stated that both countries have maintained communication through diplomatic and military channels and are committed to maintaining stability in border areas.
Read more about this story here.
Moscow Calls for Greater Cooperation Between Russia and Israel
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation with Israel, following the return of Benjamin Netanyahu as head of the Israeli government. Putin offered congratulations to Netanyahu and stated that he hoped the new government would continue to strengthen relations between the two countries.
The Russian foreign ministry also stated its readiness for constructive cooperation with Israel as a means to improve the political climate in the Middle East. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also offered congratulations to Netanyahu and spoke of Ukraine's readiness for close cooperation with Israel as well. Similarly, US President Joe Biden has joined the Russian and Ukrainian leadership in offering congratulations to Netanyahu.
Read more about this story here.
Israeli Settlers Seize Land Owned by the Greek Orthodox Church
Israeli settlers and police have taken control of a plot of land in occupied East Jerusalem owned by the Greek Orthodox Church. The land, located in the Palestinian neighbourhood of Silwan, has been fenced off and surveillance cameras have now been installed with the protection of the Israeli police.
Silwan, which is home to over 60,000 Palestinians and is located near the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall, has been the target of Israeli settler expansion for years. Many families in Silwan face the threat of expulsion as lawsuits by settler groups or through eviction orders by the Israeli-run Jerusalem municipality are tacitly backed by the Israeli government.
Read more about this story here.
China and Russia Reaffirm Cooperative Bilateral Relations
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met via video on Friday, agreeing to strengthen port and energy projects, combat sanctions, and promote a more “"just and reasonable international order” in organizations such as the United Nations and the Group of 20 (G-20).
In regards to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Xi stated that the path to peace talks may not be smooth, but the prospect of peace always exists. Despite reservations about overt high-level military cooperation, Xi's comments confirm that China continues to support Russia in some regard to its grievances in Ukraine and opposition to US hegemony. Russian officials have claimed that Russia will bolster military cooperation with China as well.