America: My Time

Chapter 1227 The Struggle for Interests

Chapter 1217 The Struggle for Interests
"Let's go see some old friends; I'm sure they're all waiting for us." At this point, Akio Morita saw no need to continue the conversation with John; he had said all he needed to say. His mission was complete; what happened next depended on how those guys performed, and it was no longer his concern!
“Alright, it’s definitely time to see an old friend!” John nodded in agreement. This time, John’s attitude pleased Akio Morita and the Japanese guys. At least John didn’t show the change they feared most; he didn’t put on a cold expression and shut out their ‘goodwill’.

Look at the women accompanying John this time; it's safe to say that everyone from Japan is present, and those not in Japan can't do anything about it. This is clearly a signal to them. Furthermore, given the exchange between Akio Morita and John, how could the Japanese not understand? The venue was arranged by the Japanese; finding out what John and Akio Morita discussed would be a piece of cake for them. John himself knows, let alone the Japanese!

John hadn't originally intended to linger in Japan; he had many matters to attend to in South Korea. However, Akio Morita's unexpected appearance gave him a new idea: he wanted to see what benefits the Japanese could offer in exchange. If there was something he needed, giving them another chance wouldn't be out of the question.

No matter how much these guys try to adjust things now, it's not going to make much difference. People's hearts have changed, and that's not something you can change just by wanting to. Just like what John said to Akio Morita before, if the Japanese government had taken the right measures in the beginning, everything could have been resolved. But Japan didn't do that. Several years is enough time to change everything.

Those involved are often blinded, while bystanders see things clearly! Japan has descended into this madness; no matter how many instructions John gives them, it won't make a difference. Just look at the changes in Japan over the past few years to see how fierce their internal strife has been.

John quickly arrived at a corner of the reception, where the Japanese bigwigs were waiting for him and Akio Morita as usual. Just as John had expected, Japan's attitude had drastically changed; the Asian financial crisis had made them acutely aware of the pain. The Japanese government's demands were simple: energy supply. Given the availability of cheap energy, they naturally didn't want to use expensive sources, and they were also worried that South Korea and China would receive a larger share of the energy allocation.

Now that China's undersea oil pipeline is complete, the Japanese are naturally extremely nervous about China's vast market, especially at this time. They worry that John will reduce Japan's energy supply and shift to China's huge market. Moreover, John's investment in China is even more staggering, and his energy demand is also enormous.

"If it's an energy issue, I don't have any major problems. But things can't be that simple. Japan is worried about the energy supply, but I don't trust you all. I need a guarantee."

“Mr. John, a ten-year supply contract, isn’t that enough? And it still maintains the current share ratio.”

The Japanese officials didn't hesitate and directly stated their decision. The Japanese conglomerates showed no intention of interfering, seemingly leaving everything to the government to handle, intending to remain neutral and let the government bear any responsibility. While this was a business transaction, energy issues were related to national security, so the conglomerates' retreat and the Japanese government's handling of the matter was understandable. However, they underestimated John's appetite; a ten-year guarantee wasn't enough for him, and the current share ratio was unacceptable!

“I need a larger proportion. Given Japan’s economy, I believe its demand for energy will be even greater. I cannot accept the current proportion. I can completely shift energy to the Chinese market and cultivate that market instead of investing in Japan, not to mention the Korean market. The Koreans are already getting impatient.”

John also wanted to control the Korean market, but Sakhalin Island's output was limited. In the short term, Asian Energy could not complete more extraction unless deep-water extraction technology advanced further, but there was no hope at the moment. Therefore, John could only settle for second best and first control the Japanese market. Even a percentage increase would be of great benefit to Asian Energy.

Faced with John's demands, the Japanese officials felt incredibly heavy-hearted. They were unwilling to accept, but under the current circumstances, they had no choice but to. If they refused, John's stance would change, and he would naturally not meet Japan's energy quota requirements, but would instead turn to other markets. Neither China nor South Korea were things they wanted to see. "If you all have difficulties, this matter can be put aside for now. There's no need to rush to answer. We can discuss it slowly. If it really doesn't work out, then we can leave the quota agreement alone and let the market change as it unfolds."

If those guys in Japan agree to John's proposal, they'd be fools. Without an agreement on quotas, who can guarantee Japan's energy supply? The problem isn't too big at the moment, but it might change in the long run.

“Mr. John, energy is a matter of national security, and we can't just agree to it whenever we want. This requires a meeting and discussion. We can't give you a satisfactory answer right now; we need some time!”

“I understand and can accept it, but you all need to hurry. After I finish dealing with things here, I will go to South Korea. If they are interested in cooperating, I will need to consider it. I cannot let your concerns affect the development of Asian Energy, after all, Asian Energy initially intended to establish a presence in the South Korean market.”

John brought up the Korean market, which embarrassed the Japanese, since it was a fact. However, they didn't want John to control their energy, as every percentage point increase would put considerable pressure on their energy supply. If John took any targeted action, it would be a disaster for Japan!
For a resource-poor country like Japan, there's no desire to entrust their lifeline to John. Even with the allure of Sakhalin Island's energy resources, they must adhere to their bottom line and not cross it. However, Japan's current situation is far from ideal; if they don't agree, the subsequent negotiations will be problematic. Of course, if Asian Energy could offer them a stake, that wouldn't be an issue, but clearly, that's impossible. The Japanese have tried this more than once, only to be rejected each time; Asian Energy won't give them a chance.

"Mr. John, your request isn't unacceptable. If we can acquire a stake in Asian Energy, we're willing to accept any allocation!" The Japanese officials quickly came up with this idea and tested John again. If John agreed, it would be a huge boon for them!
"Are you kidding me? You think I can accept such a request? You think that even if I agree, it can be done? What do you take the Russians for? Do you think those guys in the US would agree? You can't even agree to my request, do you think I have the ability to agree to yours? What use is my promise?"

John's words caused a change in the expressions of the Japanese present. It made them realize why Japan's resource development had been hindered in recent years: the Americans were targeting them.

Because of John's presence, it's impossible for those Japanese to continue their frenzied global resource deployment; John won't give them that opportunity. However, this problem can't be shouldered alone; it requires the help of American allies and Russia, since these countries have also intervened before. Not only the US, but the Europeans have done it too.

After a moment, the Japanese guy came to his senses, sighed, and said, "I was overthinking things and made things difficult for you. It's my fault. I didn't consider the pressure Mr. John is facing. Sakhalin Island is Russian territory!"

Goodness, this guy from Japan is quite something. He only pushed the blame onto Russia, without mentioning the US or the Europeans. It's obvious he has reservations. Even if he knows in his heart that these guys are plotting something behind the scenes, he can't say it out loud. In comparison, Russia doesn't have as many problems!
"If you really understand, that would be great. I also have pressure and need to consider various aspects. Otherwise, do you think I would have made a quota request? There have been new discoveries on Sakhalin Island, but they are limited by the current mining technology. Once a breakthrough is made, more resources will be extracted. If Japan cannot accept this, we will need to consider other cities. Rather than waiting until then to think about this issue, it is better to resolve it now."

John's excuse caused the Japanese guys to frown. John's words were clear: if they insisted on maintaining the status quo, Asian Energy would need to reconsider the market allocation. They couldn't let Japan have all the good things. They also needed to prepare in advance and make many arrangements.

Understanding is one thing, but accepting it is another. Japan is unaware of the astonishing energy reserves of Sakhalin Island, so they dare not take the risk. If Asian energy were to reopen the South Korean market, it would inevitably impact Japan, a situation they desperately want to avoid. Not to mention the enormous market of China, which only adds to their concerns!
(End of this chapter)