Tensions rise in the Pacific - Putin visits Japanese islands, Russia with new territorial claims
Japan has reacted sharply to Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Etorofu Island, part of the Kuril archipelago, which Tokyo considers part of Japan's Northern Territories.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the visit "absolutely unacceptable" and said it contradicted Japan's consistent stance on sovereignty over the islands.
Takaichi stated that the Northern Territories are part of Japanese territory both historically and under international law.
According to her, the Russian president's visit "hurts the feelings of the Japanese people" and constitutes an unacceptable action by Tokyo.
Etorofu Island, known as Iturup in Russia, is one of the four southern Kuril islands controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan.
The territorial dispute dates back to the end of World War II and has prevented the signing of a formal peace treaty between the two countries for decades.
During the visit, Putin met with local residents and officials, as well as toured a school, a hospital and a fish processing plant. It was the first visit by a Russian president to the disputed islands, prompting an immediate diplomatic protest from Japan.
Takaichi warned that the visit could further worsen relations between Tokyo and Moscow.
She said that following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, bilateral relations are already in a difficult situation and that this action has further strengthened anti-Russian sentiments in Japan, making it more difficult to improve relations in the medium and long term.
In protest, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the Russian ambassador to Tokyo. Moscow, meanwhile, has defended its sovereignty over the islands and opposed Japan's position. /Telegraph/