Japan protests against Putin visit to disputed islands

Tensions over the Russian-controlled archipelago, claimed partly by Japan, have long dogged bilateral ties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the far-eastern Kuril Islands for the first time on Thursday, prompting a “strong” protest by Japan which also claims the territory.

Moscow and Tokyo never signed a formal World War Two peace treaty as the main hurdle was the unresolved territorial dispute over the islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories.

The four contested islands, seized by Russia during World War II, have gained importance since the end of the conflict, providing strategic military bases to the Kremlin, coupled with their rich mineral deposits and fishing grounds.