Japan seeks change to new UN world map over Russia 'misconception'
TOKYO: Japan said on Thursday it had asked for the revision of a new world map adopted by the United Nations because it made the disputed Kuril islands appear to belong to Russia.
Japan has requested a revision to a new United Nations world map that incorrectly depicts the disputed Kuril islands as belonging to Russia. The UN General Assembly voted to adopt the map on Friday, which alters the size of the African continent and reduces the sizes of North America and Europe. The new map, known as the Equal Earth cartographic projection, uses colors to indicate territorial claims, which Japan believes is misleading.
Japan's top government spokesman, Minoru Kihara, said the map's depiction "contradicts the Japanese government's position" and Japan will "prevent misconceptions of our territories and geographical names from spreading." The Kuril islands were taken by the Soviet Union in 1945, who then expelled the Japanese population. Japan views the islands as part of its territory, both historically and under international law.
Russia's response to Japan's request for a map revision was categorically negative, calling the statements "politically inappropriate, insulting, and legally unfounded."
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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