Russia’s missile tests around disputed islands anger Japan
Russia has conducted large-scale missile drills near the Kuril Islands, a territory also claimed by Japan. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Tokyo, further straining diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Why it matters
The military exercises underscore ongoing geopolitical friction in the Pacific and the unresolved territorial dispute between Russia and Japan.
Vladimir Putin watches a missile launch from the Varyag during the Russian Pacific fleet exercises. Vladimir Putin watches a missile launch from the Varyag during the Russian Pacific fleet exercises. Japan Russia’s missile tests around disputed islands anger Japan Pacific fleet launched missile drills near what Moscow calls the Kuril Islands but Japan regards as its Northern Territories
Prefer the Guardian on Google Japan has criticised missile tests carried out by Russia’s navy around the disputed islands visited by Vladimir Putin last week amid continuing tensions between the two countries.
Russia’s Pacific fleet said on Thursday that it had fired Bastion surface-to-ship missiles from Etorofu, the largest island in the disputed archipelago, simulating an attack on enemy vessels, hitting all of its targets approximately 300km away.
Officials said the drills included a nuclear-powered submarine and a guided-missile cruiser, according to reports.
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