In a recent interview with Newsweek, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan expressed concern about Russia's ties with North Korea, another neighbor. Kishida mentioned the arms trade between Russia and North Korea, which raised eyebrows among the U.S. and its allies, suggesting it's a cause for concern.
"We're seeing a significant increase in military spending, ramping up strike capabilities, loosening restrictions on arms exports, and deepening military cooperation with Washington," said Amb. Nikolay Nozdrev in a statement highlighting concerns in Russia and among Japan's neighboring states.
The ongoing standoff over the Kuril Islands, also known as the Northern Territories, continues to strain relations between Russia and Japan. This dispute has prevented the two nations from reaching a peace treaty for decades, further exacerbated by Japan's support for economic sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing has prompted Tokyo to bolster its commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance, which has long been seen as pivotal in the Asia-Pacific region.
The situation is particularly tense in the Sea of Japan, where Russian and Japanese forces frequently encounter each other, with Russia's Pacific Fleet headquartered in the Peter the Great Gulf.
Amb. Nozdrev emphasized the seriousness of Russia's concerns, warning of potential consequences if Japan were to transfer Patriot air defense systems, made under U.S. license, to Ukraine.
Grant Newsham, a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, stressed the significance of Putin's threats against Japan, indicating that Russian military action is unlikely but not entirely out of the question. He suggested that Russia might try to unsettle Japan through indirect means, possibly by encouraging provocations from North Korea.
Nozdrev's recent remarks during interviews leading up to Victory Day on May 9 underscored the Kremlin's apprehension regarding the military balance in the Far East. Analysts note that Russia appears keen to assert itself as a Pacific power and support China in the Indo-Pacific region.
As tensions persist, the diplomatic landscape remains uncertain, with both Russia and Japan cautious in their statements. Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa acknowledged the challenging situation in bilateral relations with Russia, while responses from the U.S. State Department and Russia's Foreign Ministry were not immediately available.
Login