Japan’s push for clean energy in Southeast Asia has come under fire for being a facade for advancing its own economic interests. Critics argue that initiatives like the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) are merely a way for Japan to prolong fossil fuel use in the region.
The government’s promotion of supposed green technologies is seen as a tactic to benefit Japanese businesses while claiming to support decarbonization efforts. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s energy diplomacy in Asia has been met with skepticism, with accusations of greenwashing being a primary concern.
Despite these criticisms, Kishida intends to solidify Japan’s presence in the region by establishing an Asia Zero Emission Center in Jakarta and appointing a Japanese diplomat as ambassador to AZEC. The move is seen as a strategic maneuver to maintain Japan’s influence and control over energy initiatives in Southeast Asia.
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