A world power under a huge territory, Putin's words are domineering!
Russia, a vast country straddling the Eurasian continent, plays a pivotal role in the international political arena. Putin once proudly said: Russia has a vast land and resources, and every inch of territory is inseparable. He even said bluntly: If Russia disappears, where will the world go?
This confidence comes from Russia's strong and advanced nuclear arsenal, which is the world's number one nuclear power. International relations are fraught with Russia's hostile relations with Western countries, led by the United States, especially NATO members. Even Japan, a country that is not complete in terms of sovereignty, is at odds with Russia.
Japan-Russia relations: twists and turns.
The complex and volatile relationship between Japan and Russia stems from the distinct personalities of the people of the two countries and their high sensitivity to sovereignty. For Japan, where resources are limited, access to resources has become a necessary condition for the survival of the country. As for Russia, safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity is the basic premise of being a world power and a powerful country.
The proud fighting spirit of the Russians makes them unique among the countries of the world. Although the Japanese showed a so-called unity and desperate attitude in the war of aggression, Russia showed a more distinct and deep will to fight in comparison.
Territorial dispute: South Kuril Islands.
One of the reasons for the twists and turns in relations between Japan and Russia is the territorial dispute between the two countries over the South Kuril Islands (known in Japan as the Four Northern Islands). This archipelago has the word "south" in its name, and is part of the Kuril Islands off the coast of the Pacific Northwest region in contrast to the Northern Kuril Islands.
In the 18th century, Russian fishermen stumbled upon the island, which was already inhabited and belonged to Japan by their origin. After the entry of Russian merchants, the inhabitants of the island became Russian citizens. By 1779, all inhabitants of the South Kuril Islands became Russian citizens.
Historical Evolution: Russo-Japanese Negotiations and Loss.
In 1855, the Russo-Japanese Treaty of Friendship was signed, confirming the jurisdiction of Russia over the North Kuril Islands and Japan's jurisdiction over the South Kuril Islands. 20 years later, Russia returned Sakhalin and other islands to Japan. But after World War II, Japan was defeated, and through the Yalta Agreement, sovereignty over the South Kuril Islands was transferred to Russia.
Despite the fact that in the 50s of the last century, Japan and Russia signed two agreements that did not involve sovereignty over the South Kuril Islands, and relations between the two countries were tense. However, Japan did not recapture the four northern islands when the Soviet Union collapsed.
The collapse of the Soviet Union: the situation is chaotic, and Japan lost the opportunity to recapture?
The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, but the United States remains hostile to Russia, with sanctions and threats. Russia is in a difficult situation both internally and externally, but it has inherited the military power of the Soviet Union and still maintains a strong position in international politics.
The reason why Japan did not take the opportunity to recapture the four northern islands.
Although Japan had the opportunity to retake the four northern islands after the collapse of the Soviet Union, there were many reasons why it did not act. First of all, Russia has a powerful nuclear arsenal that makes it militarily impossible for Japan to compete with. Although Japan is allied with the United States, it can no longer take the initiative to wage war against foreign countries.
Second, during the collapse of the Soviet Union, Japan's economy was in trouble, and its participation in the Plaza Accord led to the depreciation of the yen and economic recession. At this juncture, Japan could hardly afford the high cost of a war with Russia.
Evolution of the Times: Military Power and International Status.
After the collapse of Russia, its economic situation was sluggish, but it maintained its military power and international political influence. The United States continues to threaten Russia, but Russia still plays an important role in international affairs.
Conclusion: Complex International Relations and Practical Considerations.
All things considered, the reason why Japan did not regain the four northern islands lies in complex international relations and practical considerations. Russia's nuclear deterrence, Japan's post-war status, economic woes and other factors make retaking the four northern islands a difficult and risky task.
Despite the historical opportunity, the actual situation and the international situation have prevented Japan from taking the opportunity to realize this wish. Perhaps, the international landscape will continue to change in the future, and Japan-Russia relations may evolve with it.
The article profoundly dissects the complex and sensitive relationship between Russia and Japan, in particular, the territorial dispute over the South Kuril Islands (the four northern islands). From the perspectives of historical origins, geopolitics, military power, and international relations, the article provides an in-depth analysis of why Japan did not take the opportunity to recapture the four northern islands.
First of all, the article highlights the enormous impact of Russia's large and advanced nuclear arsenal on international relations. This is especially important in the current international political landscape, especially in the context of tensions between the United States and Russia. Russia has defended the security of its country with its powerful nuclear forces and has maintained a place in international affairs. This makes Japan have to face not only Russia's military strength, but also a huge threat from nuclear power when considering retaking the four northern islands.
Second, the article reveals the dilemma faced by Japan during the collapse of the Soviet Union. Due to its alliance with the United States, Japan did not have the right to start a war on its own initiative after its disintegration. And in the international market, Japan's actions in the Plaza Accord have dealt a heavy blow to its economy. Against this backdrop of economic recession, Japan could hardly afford the high costs of a war with Russia, and lacked sufficient strength to deal with a complex and uncertain international situation.
The article also emphasizes that after the collapse of Russia, despite the poor economic situation of the country, it inherited the military capabilities of the Soviet Union, while still occupying an important position in international politics. Despite its domestic and foreign difficulties, Russia's geopolitical influence and nuclear deterrence have allowed it to maintain a relatively strong position in international affairs. This has also become one of the factors that Japan must carefully weigh when considering retaking the four northern islands.
In general, the article provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of various dimensions of Russian-Japanese relations, showing the complex factors of the two countries in terms of territorial, military, economic and other aspects. This insightful analysis provides readers with a clearer perspective and a deeper understanding of the many complex issues in international politics. In the current international situation, such thinking has an important enlightening effect on the future development of Russian-Japanese relations.
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