The militarization of Japan has led to several conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region
Russia’s former president and the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, states that Japan’s approach to militarization is causing issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
Japan and Russia have been in dispute over a group of Islands in the region. The islands are to the north of Hokkaido. Russia claims them to be the Southern Kurils. However, Japan claims them to be the Northern Territories.
The dispute began when the then-Soviet Union seized the islands at the end of World War II. Thus, it has been decades, and the two nations have been unable to resolve the issue. The two nations have not been able to sign a peace treaty regarding the matter.
TASS, the Russian news agency, released Medvedev’s statement, saying that it is regrettable that the Japanese authorities are pursuing militarization of the country. Japanese troop exercises are taking place in the vicinity of the Kuril Islands. It is worrying for the Russian authorities.
There have been no comments from the Japanese Prime Minister’s office or the offices of foreign ministries. Russia has declared September 3rd (the day after Japan surrendered to the World War) “Day of Victory over Militaristic Japan”. This announcement upset the Japanese.
Russia states that Japan, with the help of the United States, is expanding its military power. It has also led to an increase in their arms purchases.
Protests in Japan
Russia declared September 3rd “Day of Victory over Militaristic Japan”. It has enraged the Japanese public. This announcement will continue to fuel mutual antagonism.
Hirokazu Matsuno, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, states that passing this law will bring about anti-Japanese and anti-Russian sentiment among the public. He also says this move is regrettable and will continue to strain relations between the two nations.