Internal divisions within NATO and geopolitical risksDenmark has reportedly deployed troops in Greenland and prepared to destroy runways in anticipation of possible US military control over the island, with France and Germany expressing support. Deep distrust among NATO allies is growing, and Trump's unilateral actions are exacerbating Europe's security concerns. A potentially positive outcome could be the renewable energy sector in the Chinese market, as Europe, having suffered twice from the Russia-Ukraine conflicts and the US-Iran tensions, both of which caused energy crises partly due to the US, may seek greater energy independence.
Physical and legal challenges of the US Strategic Petroleum ReserveTo suppress high oil prices, the US plans to release 400 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, but its reserves are nearing the legal limit, and aging underground salt cavern facilities impose physical extraction constraints. This move is driven by political considerations for the midterm elections but faceslegal and infrastructuredual hard constraints. The US's ability to stabilize oil prices bymanipulating reservesis approaching its limit. This news emerged last week, suggesting that aside from resolving the war with Iran, Trump has no other options.
Japan's official entry into 'oil speculation'Following a visit to the US, Japan considered on the 25th a highly controversial plan to curb the yen's decline:direct intervention in the crude oil futures market. Japan will utilize its massive $1.4 trillion foreign exchange reserves to sell futures contracts and establish short positions in the crude oil futures market to suppress oil prices.Japan is currently under domestic economic pressure and external macroeconomic pressure (imported...