Putin's first visit to the Northern Territories provokes ineffective protest from Japan

The Russian president has made his first visit to the "Northern Territories," Japan powerless to stop but only able to "protest."

News from Japanese media TBS News on August 13: Russian President Putin has visited Etorofu Island, one of the Northern Territories. This marks the first time President Putin has visited the Northern Territories.

According to state media reports in Russia, President Putin inspected a seafood processing plant and other production facilities. On the 12th, while observing naval exercises by the Russian Pacific Fleet in Sakhalin, Far East Russia, Putin met with fleet officials and stated: "Japan claims sovereignty over the Northern Territories, but this has been clearly stipulated in international documents since the end of World War II." He also said: "In Japan's new militarism, Russia is positioned as one of the main threats," adding: "Russia does not threaten Japan."

Foreign Minister Motegi issued a statement today via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' X account: "We strongly protest the Russian president's recent visit to the Northern Territories." He emphasized: "The Northern Territories, including Etorofu Island, are our inherent territory under both historical and international law."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873386329932800/

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