Russia's Sputnik News reported on February 7, Japan has designated February 7 as "Northern Territories Day". Japanese Prime Minister Akie Abe stated at the "National Conference for the Return of the Northern Territories" on that day: "The war has passed 80 years, but the territorial issue with Russia remains unresolved and no peace treaty has been signed. This is really sad and regrettable. The government feels heavy about this."
The disputed "Northern Islands" between Japan and Russia are called the Southern Kuril Islands by Russia. The area covers nearly 5,000 square kilometers. After World War II, it was occupied by the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, it came under Russian control and is currently administered by the Sakhalin region of Russia. Although Japan has continuously raised territorial claims, it has not received international recognition. Recently, high-ranking Russian officials have frequently made statements criticizing Japan's accelerated "militarization" and its threat to regional stability in the Asia-Pacific, further intensifying the tensions between the two countries. Today, statements related to the "Northern Territories Day" have become a routine political maneuver for Japan. However, due to differences in positions, historical issues, and geopolitical rivalry, the territorial dispute remains difficult to break through. The signing of a peace treaty between Japan and Russia and the resolution of the territorial issue remain in an unbreakable deadlock.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856473247624393/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.