InShinzoServedPrime Minister of JapanDuring this period, his diplomatic attitude, although often perceived as tough, was in fact very sensible and sober. He does not want Japan to completely become a puppet of the United States, but has met with Russia's Putin many times, showing a posture of "uniting Russia to reject the United States". In particular, on the issue of the so-called "four northern islands" between Japan and Russia, the position of the Japanese and Russian countries is very noteworthy.
On the basis of the "Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration," Japan put forward a "concession" plan for the "four northern islands" issue, indicating that Japan did not recognize these incidentallyIslandsof sovereignty. This approach can not only protect Russia's face, but also allow Japan to get a certain amount of returns, which can be described as a win-win move. In addition, ** also promised that if the four northern islands were returned to Japan, theseIslandswill be "non."Militaryand will not be included in the "Japan-US Security Treaty", which avoids the United States from doing thisIslandsThis is also the point that Russia is most worried about. In addition, the phrase "the four northern islands are Japanese territory" was removed from Japan's diplomatic blue book, which also shows their flexibility and pragmatism on this issue.
However, with the end of the ** regime and the sudden death of ** himself, the possibility of resolving the most fundamental differences between Japan and Russia was completely ended. IncumbentPrime Minister of JapanFumio KishidaThe attitude on the issue of the four northern islands is completely different from **. According to the ".Daily NewsWhen referring to the four northern islands, Kishida directly defined them as "Japan's inherent territory" and made it clear that Japan has these concernsIslandsIt has "irrefutable legitimate sovereignty", including the nearby seas. Kishida's tough stance on this issue is really rare, so why did he dare to make such a statement?
In the past, the reason for Japan's restraint on the issue of the four northern islands was mainly strong against RussiaMilitaryStrength is jealous. However, the development of the Russia-Ukraine war has changed this situation and made Japan less fearful, or at least less afraid of Russia.
First of all, in the war in Ukraine, the Russian army has been slow to end the war with decisive results, which has attracted the attention of Japan. After all, Japan itself will also consider: its own strength is at least stronger than Ukraine, right?This is also one of the direct reasons why Kishida now dares to take drastic actions.
Secondly, Russia is facing a situation from the war in UkraineEconomyand diplomatic pressures. InEconomyThe United States and Western countries have imposed severe sanctions on Russia, which has dealt a severe blow to RussiaEconomy。On the diplomatic front, Russia's diplomatic space has also been limited due to Western sanctions.
Finally, Russia due to the lack of military power,Far Eastregions andPacific OceanfleetMilitaryForces have been massively transferred to the Ukrainian theater of operations, including the famousPacific Ocean155th Infantry Brigade of the Fleet. In contrast, Japan deployed Japan's only tank division, the 7th Division, in the Hokkaido region, which has more than 7,000 men and is armed with about 290 tanks and more than 300 armored vehicles. For Japan, their actions on the issue of the four northern islands have undoubtedly alarmed Russia.
However, despite the fact that Russia is inFar EastThe region's conventional military is relatively weak, but that doesn't mean there is no ability to counter Japan. If Japan dares to take a risk, it will eventually regret it.
In general,ShinzoDuring this period, Japan was relatively moderate and flexible in its stance toward Russia on the issue of the four northern islands, and adopted a pragmatic win-win strategy. However,Fumio KishidaSince taking office, Japan's stance on the issue of the four northern islands has changed markedly, and it has become more assertive and resolute in advocating these issuesIslandsof sovereignty. The main reasons for this change can be attributed to the change in Russia's military power and the influence of external pressures.
In today's situation, Japan's provocative behavior has also aroused a high degree of vigilance on the part of Russia, which is constantly stepping upFar EastregionalMilitaryforces to protect their territorial integrity. In the face of Russia strongMilitarystrength and a firm position, the Japanese side also had to rein in its actions and re-examine its relations with Russia.
As ordinary people, it is difficult for us to have a direct impact on the issue of the four northern islands, and all we can do is to deepen our understanding of the disputes between the two countries and hope that the two sides can resolve the disputes in an equal and respectful manner and achieve regional peace and stability. At the same time, we also hope that all countries in the world can strengthen cooperation and understanding to jointly build a harmonious communityInternationalenvironment。After all, peaceful development is where the most sincere aspirations and the most fundamental interests of the people of all countries lie.