Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Denies Policy Shift on Island Claims
Japan’s stance on the disputed Northern Territories remains firm, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated during a Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday. He dismissed claims that Tokyo considered accepting the return of only two of the four islands seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II.
No Policy Shift on Territorial Demands
Ishiba clarified that Japan has never adopted a policy to prioritize the return of Shikotan and the Habomais over Etorofu and Kunashiri. This rebuttal came in response to remarks by Katsuya Okada, a prominent opposition leader, who suggested a policy shift occurred after a 2018 summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Ishiba stressed that Japan’s position on the issue remains unchanged.
The Northern Territories: A Long-Standing Dispute
The Northern Territories—Shikotan, the Habomais, Etorofu, and Kunashiri—were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1945. Their disputed status has fueled tensions between Tokyo and Moscow for decades. Japan insists that resolving the territorial dispute is a prerequisite for concluding a formal peace treaty with Russia. The lack of such a treaty leaves both nations technically still at war.
Peace Treaty Hinges on Resolving Island Ownership
During the committee session, Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s dedication to resolving ownership disputes over all four islands before finalizing a peace treaty. This firm position signals Tokyo’s unwillingness to compromise on territorial integrity. Efforts to negotiate a resolution have repeatedly stalled, with the 2018 Singapore summit yielding no breakthrough.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The Northern Territories dispute remains a thorn in Japan-Russia relations. While both sides have expressed interest in improving ties, the issue of sovereignty over the islands has hindered progress. Japan’s unwavering stance suggests that a resolution will require significant concessions from both parties, an outcome that has proved elusive thus far.
Prime Minister Ishiba’s remarks underscore Japan’s resolve to reclaim all four islands, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to its territorial claims and historical justice. Whether this approach will lead to a breakthrough in negotiations remains uncertain. However, Ishiba’s clear rejection of any policy shift signals that Japan is not prepared to accept partial solutions.
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