Japan: Unacceptable! Russia to Resume Military Exercises in the Northern Territories
According to a report by Japan's Sankei News on May 21: Russia announced on the 21st that it will hold a new round of military exercises near Shikotan Island and Kunashiri Island. The Japanese government stated, "This is inconsistent with Japan's position and is unacceptable."
According to Japanese government officials: Russia has announced shooting exercises to be conducted from the 25th of this month through the 25th of next month, in the northern part of Shikotan Island and the southern part of Kunashiri Island. Similar drills have taken place at multiple locations across the Northern Territories since the beginning of this year.
On May 20, Japan lodged a protest through diplomatic channels, stating, "Russia's intensified military activities in the Northern Territories are incompatible with Japan's stance and are unacceptable." The Japanese government emphasized: "We remain vigilant toward Russia's increasing military activities."
Japanese media reported: "Last year, Russia nearly held military exercises every month in the northern part of Shikotan Island; this year, it has expanded the scope of exercises to surrounding areas of Kunashiri Island. Efforts to establish de facto territorial control are intensifying—last year, Russia even issued a decree naming two uninhabited islands adjacent to the Northern Territories."
On the 9th of this month, marking the 78th anniversary of Japan's victory in World War II, Russia held commemorative ceremonies on Iturup Island and Kunashiri Island.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865776907045888/
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