Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida “strongly protested” Russia’s decision to end negotiations on a peace treaty over Tokyo’s response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday, saying it was “extremely unreasonable.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Moscow has suspended peace treaty negotiations with Japan in light of a series of sanctions imposed on Russian leaders and financial institutions during the war in Ukraine.
The ministry statement Russia “it is impossible to discuss this basic document on bilateral relations with countries that are clearly unfriendly and are trying to harm their interests.”
“All responsibility for bilateral cooperation and harming Japan’s own interests lies in Tokyo, which deliberately chose the anti-Russian course, rather than developing mutually beneficial cooperation and neighbor relations.”
Fumio Kishida argued that the sanctions were the result of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and opposed Russia’s decision to suspend peace treaty negotiations.
At a parliamentary commission meeting, the Prime Minister argued that Russia’s decision appeared to be an attempt to divert responsibility for Japan-Russia relations.
“Russia’s actions are so irrational that they are totally unacceptable,” Kishida said. Quote According to Kyodo News. “We strongly protest.”
Prime Minister Kishida said Japan’s goal of concluding a peace treaty with Russia remains unchanged, but added that Japan must “resolutely continue to sanction Russia” in cooperation with the international community.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the government had expressed Japan’s opposition to this decision and protested against the Russian ambassador to Japan.
At a press conference, Mr. Matsuno said, “We will continue to take decisive action together with the international community to protect the foundation of the international order.”
Japan and Russia were unable to sign a peace treaty due to disagreements over the Kuril Islands, known as the Northern Territories of Japan, occupied by Moscow at the end of World War II.
The two leaders had previously agreed to proceed with peace treaty negotiations, but Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow considers its security and guarantees from Japan the possibility of deploying US troops in the region. He said he had to ask.
Japan has imposed sanctions on 76 individuals, 7 Russian banks, and 12 Russian-based organizations, pressured Russia to stop its attacks on Ukraine. It also revoked Russia’s “most favored nation” status, resulting in higher taxes on Russian commodities.
In addition to suspending peace treaty negotiations, Russia suspended visa-free travel for Japanese citizens and withdrew from negotiations with Japan on expanding economic activity.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Aldgra Fredly is a Malaysia-based freelance writer featuring the Epoch Times Asia Pacific News.