TOKYO - Russia has conducted missile exercises around the Northern Territories, including what appears to have been a launch from one of the disputed islands, prompting Japan's foreign minister to call Russia's growing military presence there unacceptable.
Russia's Defense Ministry said on August 20 that joint forces from its Pacific Fleet had carried out missile strikes against targets designed to simulate enemy vessels in waters around the Northern Territories. It did not disclose when the exercises took place.
According to the ministry, anti-ship and cruise missiles were launched from vessels including a cruiser and a nuclear-powered submarine, hitting all designated targets more than 300 kilometers away.
The ministry also said a unit operating the Bastion coastal defense missile system fired a missile from one of the islands in the Northern Territories. The system has been deployed on Etorofu Island.
Russia said the exercise was part of previously scheduled combat training.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on August 20 that Russia's military buildup on the four disputed islands was inconsistent with Japan's position on the territory.
"Russia's strengthening of its military capabilities on the four Northern Islands runs counter to Japan's position regarding the islands and is unacceptable," Motegi said.
Asked how Japan would respond, Motegi said the government would act at an appropriate time after comprehensively considering what was necessary to protect Japan's national interests.
Source: TBS
