Reuters: Japan is considering backing the Alaska gas pipeline project.

According to sources from the agency, Japanese officials anticipate that Trump may raise the issue of the pipeline during his first meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, scheduled for next week in Washington.

The pipeline is expected to connect fields in northern Alaska with a port in the south, where gas will be liquefied and shipped to Asian clients. As noted by Reuters, Japan is skeptical about the pipeline's viability due to the overall cost of gas compared to other sources, but it is willing to consider a deal if requested.

After taking office, Trump signed an order promising to unlock Alaska's resource potential, "including the sale and transportation of Alaskan LNG to other regions of the United States and allied countries in the Pacific region." He presented the gas project as a win for Alaska and U.S. allies in Asia seeking a stable energy source.

As Reuters points out, Japan already has broad access to LNG. However, the pipeline in Alaska could help Japan diversify its supplies, moving away from more risky sources like Russia.

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