Putin visits disputed island near Japan, drawing Tokyo's ire
The island, known in Russia as Iturup and in Japan as Etorofu, is one of four in the Kuril chain close to Japan's main islands seized by Moscow in the days after Japan's surrender in World War Two. Tokyo has maintained its claim to them, making their return a condition for concluding a formal peace treaty that would unlock closer economic ties.
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, visited a disputed island near Japan on Thursday, drawing strong condemnation from Tokyo. The island, known in Russia as Iturup and in Japan as Etorofu, is part of the Kuril chain seized by Moscow following World War Two. Tokyo maintains its claim to the islands, which has been a condition for a formal peace treaty that could lead to closer economic ties between the two nations.
This visit came two days before Japan commemorated the 81st anniversary of its surrender, and a day after North Korea conducted a missile test near Japan. Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, expressed her disapproval, stating that Putin's actions have made improving relations between the countries difficult. The joint statement released by the Russian and Chinese ambassadors to Japan emphasized their opposition to any revision of World War Two's outcomes and the re-militarization in the Asia-Pacific region.
During his visit, Putin toured the Yasny fish-processing plant and participated in navy drills in Russia's Far East.
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