Alaska Congressman Nick Begich has returned to to the US following a high-level congressional delegation to Asia, where he made a case for Alaska’s liquefied natural gas to power America’s strategic trade partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
Begich, a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, joined a delegation led by Chairman Bruce Westerman of Arkansas for a multi-nation tour through Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, where they met with leaders of the countries. The goal was to promote Alaska’s pivotal role in future American energy exports and foster deeper cooperation on trade and critical resources in a region central to U.S. foreign policy and economic interests.
“Thanks to US leadership at home and demand abroad, we are on the cusp of transforming Alaska into a global energy hub, and this trip was a milestone in that effort,” Congressman Begich said. “Our LNG project is a strategic tool to reinforce our alliances, reduce global dependence on adversarial energy sources, and rebalance trade in a way that benefits both the U.S. and our allies. These countries are actively seeking reliable, long-term energy solutions and Alaska is the best-positioned partner to deliver.”
At the heart of Begich’s advocacy was the Alaska LNG project, a proposed $40+ billion infrastructure initiative that would transport natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope to a liquefaction facility in Southcentral Alaska, enabling long-term exports to Asian markets.
In meetings across Tokyo, Taipei, and Seoul, Begich emphasized the reliability, environmental benefits, and strategic value of sourcing LNG from a trusted American partner. “Alaska has the energy resources the world needs—and our allies want,” Begich said in prepared remarks upon his return.
One of the most concrete signals of interest came from Taiwan, where CPC Corporation, an energy company, has already signed a letter of intent to purchase up to six million metric tons of Alaska LNG. In Japan and South Korea, government and industry leaders also showed active interest in both investment in the project and long-term supply agreements.
The delegation’s schedule included meetings with:
- Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi
- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and senior leadership at CPC Corporation
- South Korea’s Acting President Lee Ju-ho and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun
In addition to energy talks, the delegation addressed supply chain resilience for critical minerals—particularly those necessary for semiconductors, batteries, and defense technologies. Discussions centered on reducing dependence on Chinese-dominated mineral markets and elevating resource development partnerships with countries like the US.
The congressional group also made key strategic stops with U.S. military leaders in the region, including the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, and visited the Demilitarized Zone on the Korean Peninsula.
Begich’s Asia trip highlights a broader push by Alaska’s congressional delegation to position the state not only as an energy powerhouse but as a reliable geopolitical asset for America’s allies in a shifting global order.
“Many leaders I spoke with were unaware that Alaska can produce critical materials like gallium, germanium, antimony, and graphite at scale,” Begich said “This presents another opportunity for the US to strengthen supply chain security while opening new pathways for trade and investment.”
We shipped LNG from Nikiski to Japan for decades so we have a strong history of working together. The key will be the price.
Begich needs to sit down and shut up!! He is way over his head and so is the rest of the contingency that attended the meetings in Anchorage.
When the world meets to talk to the presidency, then its a go for marketing oneself. So far, Begich is hot air blowing through the windmill of conversation on a subject he knows nothing about. Even Dunleavy has a difficult time standing with the big boys!
If you want us to believe your comments you would use your real name. As it is DK you’re just blowing hot air with 0 credibility whoever you are. Promoting a gas deal is right up nicks alley, he is a very intelligent person. Apparently you do not know him.
I sure hope the girl in tennis shoes isn’t representing Alaska. Unprofessional.
Ridiculous comment Alaskan. Elon musk negotiates nearly every deal wearing a tee shirt.
“we are on the cusp of transforming Alaska into a global energy hub”
Is that before or after dividends are abolished?
He’s like the Energizer Bunny. Pretty amazing what he has done in such a short time. Go NB3 !!!
We are so damn proud of you, Nicholas.
Can anybody (who isn’t a raving lunatic) imagine Mary Peltola representing Alaska in the way Nick Begich has for the past five months? Nick has been superb.
Nick is awesome.
Where is the gas for the rail belt you did all wth planning for the gas line then it stopped stall about a waste of money.