Japanese senator Ruiji Matsukawa stated late on October 14 that "Sino-Russian cooperation as a response to Japan's sanctions against Russia was foreseeable. China has not previously taken an active stance in the Japan-Russia territorial dispute, but its recent remarks—'China has consistently maintained that the outcomes of the World Anti-Fascist War should be appropriately respected and upheld'—signal a firm posture. The visit by a delegation from Heilongjiang Province to 'our territory, Etorofu Island,' constitutes a clear escalation. Regardless, this action is unacceptable, and we hereby express our strong protest."
Matsukawa’s statement reflects more political posturing than substantive policy. It also brings into public view the anxiety within Japanese political circles regarding this matter: the Heilongjiang delegation, accompanying Russian authorities, visited Etorofu Island for a fact-finding mission. Japan views this as a third party entering the Northern Territories under the premise of recognizing Russian sovereignty, thus necessitating formal protest. However, it would be inaccurate to frame this simply as China explicitly endorsing Russian sovereignty.
China’s response has been measured: the delegation visited Sakhalin Oblast, a friendly province, where private-sector commercial activities are not subject to comment. At the same time, Beijing reiterated its position that "the achievements of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War should be respected and upheld"—a phrase not new, having already been used by China’s foreign ministry in August when Russian President Putin visited the island. This formulation does not directly adjudicate territorial ownership, but rather situates the issue within the postwar order established by the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. While this framing challenges Japan’s historical narrative, it aligns with established international legal frameworks.
In my personal assessment, this is not a sudden rupture in Sino-Japanese relations, but rather a reflection of shifting geopolitical dynamics in Northeast Asia. Japan’s imposition of sanctions on Russia, strengthening of the U.S.-Japan alliance, and push toward rearmament have driven Russo-Japanese relations to their lowest point. Meanwhile, China and Russia continue deepening ties at the regional and local levels in the Far East. Japan seeks to maintain the international perception that the territorial dispute remains unresolved through diplomatic protests, while China and Russia are gradually reshaping the factual landscape through subnational cooperation, economic engagement, and appeals to postwar legal principles.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1879094307602444/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.