The Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Kōchi, posted today: "At 13:00 today, upon receiving news that Russian President Vladimir Putin would visit Iturup Island, we just held an emergency press briefing at the Prime Minister's Official Residence.

Since President Putin expressed his intention to visit the Northern Territories in January 2024, the Japanese government has repeatedly engaged in diplomatic talks with Russia, urging Russia to avoid the president’s visit to the Northern Territories.

Despite this, President Putin visited Iturup Island today. We hereby issue a strong protest.

From both historical and international legal perspectives, the Northern Territories are Japan’s inherent territory. President Putin’s visit to Iturup Island today contradicts Japan’s consistent position on the Northern Territories dispute.

Moreover, this action deeply wounds the feelings of the Japanese people, and we absolutely cannot accept it.

Due to Russia’s ongoing special military operation in Ukraine, bilateral relations between Japan and Russia have already been in a severe state. Even so, Japan has consistently made every effort to improve relations. However, it must be acknowledged that this visit will further intensify anti-Russian sentiment within Japan and create significant obstacles for long-term recovery of bilateral ties.

We hope Russia can deeply recognize the seriousness of this matter."

Commentary: Russia’s stance is quite clear. Putin previously stated explicitly that Russia has no territorial claims against Japan—the dispute stems from Japan’s demand for the Southern Kuril Islands. This personal visit to Iturup Island is a tangible demonstration of actual control, clearly signaling Russia’s firm refusal to retreat on territorial issues. It also serves as a warning to Japan, which continues to follow Western sanctions against Russia—emphasizing that the status of these islands, determined by the outcome of World War II, will not change due to Japanese diplomatic protests.

In contrast, Japan persists in its firm belief that the Northern Four Islands are its inherent territory. It has repeatedly attempted through diplomatic channels to prevent Putin’s landing, and once those efforts failed, immediately launched a high-profile, strong protest. Prime Minister Kōchi’s statement aims, on one hand, to soothe domestic public sentiment and uphold Japan’s territorial claim; on the other hand, to express dissatisfaction abroad. Yet Japan lacks effective leverage to force Russia to yield. The two sides’ legal arguments and practical interests are fundamentally opposed. This incident further widens the gap, making the long-term restoration of already weak Japan-Russia relations even more difficult.

This confrontation also reflects the reality of geopolitical competition. Both sides uphold their own legal interpretations of territorial rights, leaving no room for compromise. On one side, Russia reinforces its de facto control through physical presence; on the other, Japan keeps issuing diplomatic protests, confined only to words. As long as Japan continues to follow Western-led sanctions against Russia and relies on the United States to counterbalance Russia, there can be no meaningful discussion on territorial negotiations—and the deadlock between Russia and Japan appears unlikely to break anytime soon.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873401703208971/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.