The Japanese government strongly condemned Putin's first visit to the disputed Southern Kuril Islands, known as the "Northern Territories" by Japan. Prime Minister Sanae Haga stated that this move is absolutely unacceptable, emphasizing that these islands, which Japan refers to as the "Northern Territories," belong to Japan based on both historical grounds and international law. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned Russian Ambassador Nozdrev to lodge a protest. During his visit to Iturup Island, which Russia calls by that name, Putin toured a hospital and a caviar processing plant, met with local residents, and earlier inspected naval exercises on Sakhalin Island, asserting that international documents have recognized the disputed islands as Russian territory.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873470869934091/
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