US backs Japan over Putin’s trip to disputed islands

TOKYO: The US recognizes Japan's sovereignty over the disputed Kuril Islands, also known as the Northern Territories by Japan, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit, according to George Glass, the US ambassador to Tokyo.

Glass reiterated the US's unwavering commitment to its strongest ally and its stance on Japanese sovereignty over the islands. The US-Japan Alliance aims to foster prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and any action contradicting its peace and stability is strongly opposed, Glass added.

The clash between Russia and Japan over the islands dates back to World War II, when the Soviet Union seized them from Japan. This was the first time Putin visited the disputed islands, having previously met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in 2010.

Japan's government expressed strong disapproval of Putin's visit, with Prime Minister Takaichi stating that the Northern Territories are an integral part of Japan's territory, both historically and under international law. In response, Japan summoned Russia's ambassador, while Russia's embassy in Japan declared that the islands are "an integral part of the Russian Federation," dismissing Putin's visit as a non-issue between foreign states.

The United Nations Secretary-General's spokeswoman, Shirin Yaseen, stated that the matter is a bilateral issue between member states.