The government’s investigation into a Chinese state-owned enterprise’s logo appearing in the materials submitted to a panel of experts discussing energy policy has been dragging on.
Other ministries and agencies have barred the former task force member who submitted the materials and her organization from attending hearings.
Resolving this matter is urgently needed to ensure diversity in policy discussions on energy issues.
During the March meeting of the task force for a comprehensive review of regulations on renewable energy under the Cabinet Office, the materials submitted by then task force member Mika Obayashi included the logo of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC).
The same logo was found on documents submitted to other ministries and agencies for the hearings Obayashi was invited to.
Obayashi serves as the director of Renewable Energy Institute, established with a donation from Masayoshi Son, chairman and the chief executive officer of SoftBank Group Corp., following the 2011 catastrophic accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
The foundation has compiled numerous expert reports aimed at promoting the expanded use of renewable energy sources and has hosted international symposiums on related issues. It is almost the only entity in Japan engaged in such activities.
According to Obayashi, this logo was originally included in the SGCC’s presentation materials at a workshop hosted by the institute. When Obayashi used the file to prepare materials for an internal study session, a document template was stored in her computer.
As the white logo that remained in the template was not visible as it blended with the white background, she did not realize the logo had not been removed. Obayashi then used the template to prepare other materials and the logo remained on the materials for the task force meeting.
The foundation explained the situation at a news conference and compiled a report stating it has no financial or personal connections with the Chinese government or companies, which was submitted to the relevant ministries and agencies in early April.
More than a month has passed, but the Cabinet Office still says that the investigation into the issue is ongoing with no specified concluding date, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Environment Ministry have decided not to invite the foundation to their hearings “until the concerns are resolved.”
It is essential that Japanese policies are not affected by Chinese influence, and the government needs to investigate the issue to clarify doubts and concerns. However, as of now, no facts other than Obayashi’s simple error have been pointed out with regard to the logo.
The foundation has frequently argued that renewable energy should not depend on any specific country and has emphasized the importance of reliable domestic supply chains. It has also published a report mentioning the forced labor of the Uighur minority in the production of solar panels.
There should be no serious concern about its past exchanges with SGCC about plans for international grid connections since cross-border electricity links were widely discussed at the time, and there is no evidence to suggest that the foundation was acting for the benefit of China.
Obayashi has apologized for the error and resigned from the task force. But online defamation against her continues, baselessly questioning even her nationality and name.
The task force to promote renewable energy, led by Taro Kono, minister for regulatory reform, who is a vocal champion of clean energy, has been stalled since March.
Gathering a broad spectrum of viewpoints and perspectives is crucial for an effective policy debate on energy issues.
The government should quickly conclude its investigation and build a framework for debate to secure the democratic development of its energy policy.
--The Asahi Shimbun, May 14
EDITORIAL: Probe into China logo on policy materials needs to be speeded up
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14.05.2024
The government’s investigation into a Chinese state-owned enterprise’s logo appearing in the materials submitted to a panel of experts discussing energy policy has been dragging on.
Other ministries and agencies have barred the former task force member who submitted the materials and her organization from attending hearings.
Resolving this matter is urgently needed to ensure diversity in policy discussions on energy issues.
During the March meeting of the task force for a comprehensive review of regulations on renewable energy under the Cabinet Office, the materials submitted by then task force member Mika Obayashi included the logo of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC).
The same logo was found on documents submitted to other ministries and agencies for the hearings Obayashi was invited to.
Obayashi serves as the director of Renewable Energy Institute, established with a donation from Masayoshi Son, chairman and the chief executive officer of........
© The Asahi Shimbun
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