- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, posing issues in resource allocation along the country’s western border.
- Japan sees this as an opportunity to retake the Kuril Islands, also known as Japan’s Northern Territories, which were captured by Soviet soldiers during WWII.
About
- The Kuril Islands, commonly known as the Kurile Islands, are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the northern Pacific Ocean.
- They extend from the northeastern tip of Japan’s Hokkaido to the southernmost point of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
- It consists of 56 islands, the most important of which are Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai.
- The Kuril Islands are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of severe volcanic and seismic activity caused by tectonic plate movement.
- Several active volcanoes can be found on the islands, including Alaid, Ebeko, and Chikurachki.
What exactly is the point of contention?
- Since the end of World War II, the islands have been a source of contention between Russia and Japan.
- Following the war, the Soviet Union seized control of the Kuril Islands, displacing around 17,000 Japanese people.
- The southernmost islands (Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai) are claimed by Japan and referred to as the “Northern Territories.”
- Russia retains authority over the islands and regards them as an extension of its territory.
- The territory dispute has prevented Russia and Japan from negotiating a formal peace treaty to officially conclude World War II hostilities.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/could-china-take-kuril-islands-claimed-by-japan-and-russia-8869904/