Japan has criticised missile drills conducted by Russia's Pacific fleet around disputed islands, in which Bastion surface-to-ship missiles were fired to simulate an attack on enemy vessels.
Key facts
- Russia's Pacific fleet fired Bastion surface-to-ship missiles from Etorofu, the largest island in the disputed archipelago.
- The drill simulated an attack on enemy vessels and hit all targets approximately 300km away.
- Moscow calls the archipelago the Kuril Islands, while Japan regards it as its Northern Territories.
- Vladimir Putin visited the disputed islands the week before the drills.
- Japan criticised the tests amid continuing tensions between the two countries.
Japan has criticised missile tests carried out by Russia’s navy around a group of disputed islands, according to the Guardian, in a move that has added to 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. The drill simulated an attack on enemy vessels and hit all of its targets approximately 300km away, the fleet said.
The islands are known by different names in the two countries. Moscow refers to them as the Kuril Islands, while Japan regards the territory as its Northern Territories. The competing claims have long been a source of friction between the neighbours.
The missile drills came shortly after Vladimir Putin visited the disputed islands the previous week, according to the Guardian, drawing further attention to the sensitivity of the location.
The reported firing of surface-to-ship missiles, described by Russia’s fleet as a simulated attack on enemy vessels, underlines the strategic emphasis Moscow is placing on the area.
Japan’s criticism reflects the wider strain in relations between Tokyo and Moscow, which have remained tense in recent times.
Why it matters
The disputed islands have long been a flashpoint between Japan and Russia, and military activity there risks deepening an already tense relationship. Missile drills so close to territory claimed by Japan, coming just after a visit by President Putin, signal how contested the region remains.
Frequently asked questions
What islands are involved in the dispute?
The archipelago is called the Kuril Islands by Moscow and the Northern Territories by Japan. The missiles were fired from Etorofu, described as the largest island in the disputed archipelago.
What did Russia's missile drill involve?
Russia's Pacific fleet said it fired Bastion surface-to-ship missiles simulating an attack on enemy vessels, hitting all of its targets approximately 300km away.
Why is the timing significant?
According to the Guardian, the drills took place shortly after Vladimir Putin visited the disputed islands the previous week, amid continuing tensions between Russia and Japan.