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Japan's Unfriendly Stance Blocks Deals with Russia, Says Kremlin

The Kremlin states that Japan's unfriendly position makes any bilateral agreements highly unlikely under current conditions. This comes despite Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's stated intent to pursue a peace treaty with Russia. Relations are strained by the unresolved WWII peace treaty and Japan's sanctions over Ukraine, which led Russia to suspend negotiations. Simultaneously, South Korea has strongly protested Japan's renewed territorial claims to the Dokdo/Takeshima islets.

Key Points: Japan-Russia Agreements Unlikely Amid Unfriendly Stance: Kremlin

  • Kremlin criticizes Japan's stance
  • Peace treaty talks suspended
  • WWII treaty unresolved
  • Japan faces South Korea protest
  • Territorial dispute over islets
2 min read

Japan's unfriendly stance makes agreements unlikely: Kremlin

Kremlin says Japan's unfriendly position makes agreements impossible. Peace treaty talks remain suspended amid sanctions and historical disputes.

"Tokyo is taking an unfriendly stance toward our country, so, of course, under these circumstances, it's unlikely that any agreements can be reached - Dmitry Peskov"

Moscow, Feb 20

Japan has taken an unfriendly position toward Russia, making any agreements between the two countries unlikely under current conditions, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

"Tokyo is taking an unfriendly stance toward our country, so, of course, under these circumstances, it's unlikely that any agreements can be reached without changing the modalities of our relations," Peskov said, quoted by RIA Novosti.

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, speaking in a policy address in the lower house of parliament, said Japan intends to conclude a peace treaty with Russia despite the strained state of bilateral ties.

Relations between Russia and Japan have long been overshadowed by the absence of a formal peace treaty after World War II, Xinhua news agency reported. After Japan introduced several rounds of sanctions against Russia over Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on March 21, 2022 that Moscow would suspend peace treaty negotiations with Tokyo.

Meanwhile, South Korea on Friday protested Japan's renewed territorial claims to the islets lying halfway between the two countries, called Dokdo by South Korea and Takeshima by Japan.

The foreign ministry said in a statement that the South Korean government strongly protests Japan's reiteration of unjust territorial claims to Dokdo in the foreign policy speech, delivered by its foreign minister to the Diet.

The ministry called for an immediate withdrawal of such claims, making it clear that Japan's unjust claims will have no impact whatsoever on South Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo.

It reaffirmed that South Korea will firmly respond to any provocations by Japan, stressing that Japan should realize that the repeated unjust claims over Dokdo, which is clearly an integral part of the South Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law, will be in no way conducive to building a future-oriented relationship between Seoul and Tokyo.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Japan caught between two territorial disputes simultaneously - with Russia and South Korea. It shows how interconnected Asian geopolitics is. The Ukraine war has clearly reshaped alliances in the region.
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Vikram M
Russia calling Japan "unfriendly" is quite something, given the current global context. India has to walk a careful line between its historical ties with Russia and its growing partnership with Japan. A delicate balancing act for our foreign policy.
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Priya S
No peace treaty since WWII? That's astonishing! It shows how deep these wounds run. While we focus on our own challenges, it's humbling to see other nations struggling with similar legacy issues. Peace should be the ultimate goal.
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Rohit P
With respect, I think the article could provide more background on why Japan imposed sanctions. The Russian perspective is highlighted, but the Japanese reasoning isn't explored enough. Balanced reporting helps readers understand better.
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Michael C
The Dokdo/Takeshima dispute mentioned at the end is particularly tense. It reminds me that territorial integrity is a deeply emotional issue for any nation. South Korea's strong language reflects that. Hope cooler heads can find a way forward.

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