Graduate Institute of Russian Studies, NCCU

Why is the Russia-Japan territorial dispute becoming increasingly difficult to resolve?

When Vladimir Putin visited the Northern Territories/Kuril Islands, Japan responded with strong criticism. But why has this territorial dispute remained unresolved for decades?

The dispute over the islands is more than a question of territory. It is closely connected to the history of Russia-Japan relations, regional security and the changing geopolitics of Northeast Asia.

In Episode 4 of “Why Russia?”, Dr Lin Tsui speaks with Professor Hsi-Hsun Tsai about the historical roots of the dispute and why Russia and Japan have struggled to reach an agreement.

• Why are the islands so important to both countries?
• Why does Russia insist on maintaining its sovereignty?
• Why does Japan continue to demand their return?
• And what does the dispute mean for security in East Asia today?

RU Classroom｜“Why Russia?”EP. 4
Why is the Russia-Japan territorial dispute still unresolved?

Watch now and discover a different perspective on Russia: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RlFRjbpXK0&t=337s (A Chinese-language programme)