Japan has pledged $10 billion in energy support to its Asian neighbors in a strategic move to counter China's regional influence. Analysts question the impact, suggesting that geopolitical factors will limit Japan's ability to choose sides in the region.

Japan has pledged US$10 billion to its Asian neighbours in energy support, in what analysts say is a strategic bid to counter China’s regional influence and position itself as a reliable partner as the Iran war upends global oil markets and supply chains. However, one observer argued that the move’s impact might be limited, given Japan’s inability to alter the ground realities in the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries’ instinct for strategic hedging over picking sides. Unveiled by...