Russia conducts military exercises around the Northern Territories; Japanese government protests
It was revealed by the 15th that the Russian government had notified the Japanese government that it would be conducting military exercises around Etorofu Island in the Northern Territories. According to this notification, Russia is scheduled to conduct live-fire training from the 10th to the 15th, followed by missile exercises from the 16th to the 22nd.
In response to this news, the Japanese government immediately lodged a protest with the Russian side. The Japanese government maintains the position that the Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japanese territory and states that it is unacceptable for Russia to conduct military activities in the surrounding area.
The exercises in question target the waters surrounding the Northern Territories. Although the Russian side notified Japan in advance, the Japanese government strongly demanded through diplomatic channels that such activities be halted.
The issue surrounding the Northern Territories is an important diplomatic matter that has persisted between Japan and Russia for many years. There is significant interest within Japan regarding how these military exercises will affect future relations between the two countries.