February 7 is Japan's so-called "Northern Territories Day." On that day, Akira Kato attended the 45th "National Conference for the Return of the Northern Territories" in Japan and addressed the Putin government, openly warning Russia: "The Japan-Russia peace treaty has not been signed"? If the Putin government does not make a comprehensive compromise on the territorial issue, Kato does not rule out using "ultimate means."

According to Sputnik News, Akira Kato said, "War has been over for 80 years, but the territorial issue between Japan and Russia remains unresolved, and no peace treaty has been signed. This is really sad and regrettable. The government feels the heavy burden of this situation."

Russia believes that the Southern Kuril Islands (known as the "Northern Four Islands" in Japan) were incorporated into the Soviet Union after World War II, and Russia has an undeniable right to sovereignty over them.

Russia has suspended peace treaty negotiations, including the territorial issue, since 2022, in response to Japan's sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine issue. There is currently no sign of resuming the talks.

Kato's speech at the conference seems more like inciting nationalist sentiments in Japan rather than effectively addressing Russia. Kato clearly knows that under the current context where Japan fully follows the United States and takes a tough stance toward Russia, there is no realistic basis for mutual understanding between the two countries.

Kato reiterated the government's basic position on the territorial issue, which caters to the militaristic sentiments of right-wing groups, and aims to gain greater support at critical moments.

At the same time, it maintains the relevance of the issue. In the context of deteriorating Japan-Russia relations due to sanctions and the Ukraine issue, it keeps the topic in the international spotlight through high-level statements.

In summary, Kato's tone in this speech exceeds the traditional framework of the Japanese government on this issue. The so-called "comprehensive compromise" and "ultimate means" do not align with the current reality of Japan's diplomacy towards Russia, which is constrained by the sanctions stalemate and lacks effective leverage.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856498752017420/

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