Japan is evaluating potential diplomatic and economic responses following Russian President Vladimir Putin's first visit to a disputed island territory.
Key facts
- •Vladimir Putin made his first visit to one of the four disputed islands last Thursday.
- •Japanese foreign ministry officials discussed potential responses, including new sanctions and a recall of the ambassador, on Friday.
- •Japan's ambassador to Moscow, Akira Muto, was summoned to the Russian foreign ministry on Tuesday.
- •Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin warned of potential countermeasures against Japan due to its support for Kyiv.
- •Observers note that Japan's economic leverage is limited by its reliance on Russian natural gas.
Japan is currently weighing its response after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited one of the four disputed islands known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia. The visit, which occurred last Thursday, marked the first time the Russian leader has traveled to the territory.
Diplomatic and Policy Discussions
Japanese media reported that senior foreign ministry officials met on Friday to discuss potential countermeasures, including the possibility of imposing tougher sanctions or temporarily recalling Japan's ambassador to Russia. On Tuesday, Japan’s envoy to Moscow, Akira Muto, was summoned to the Russian foreign ministry following Tokyo's formal protest of the visit.
Russian Response and Expert Debate
During the meeting with Ambassador Muto, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Russia reserves the right to take appropriate countermeasures against Japan. This warning was issued in response to Tokyo’s ongoing policy of sanctioning Moscow and its support for Kyiv. Meanwhile, analysts remain divided on the effectiveness of further Japanese measures, with some citing Japan's reliance on Russian natural gas and already limited economic leverage as significant constraints.
Timeline
- Last ThursdayRussian President Vladimir Putin visited one of the disputed islands.
- FridaySenior Japanese foreign ministry officials discussed possible responses to the visit.
- TuesdayJapanese envoy Akira Muto was summoned to the Russian foreign ministry.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by South China Morning Post.
