Tokyo has raised concerns about escalating Russian military presence on the southern Kuril Islands, which Japan claims as its own territory, in the latest annual defense white paper released by Japan’s Ministry of Defense.
The report draws attention to continued and intensified Russian operations in the area Japan refers to as the “Northern Territories.” It details the modernization of Russian forces stationed on the islands and the deployment of advanced weaponry. Notably, the Russian Navy has installed coastal “land-to-ship” missile systems, while the Aerospace Forces maintain a fighter jet presence. The document also highlights large-scale Russian military exercises conducted both in the airspace and surrounding maritime zones.
At the outset, the white paper reiterates Japan’s position that the southern Kurils are an integral part of its territory and describes their current status as “illegally occupied” by Russia. The Japanese government expresses serious concern over Russia’s military buildup, viewing it as a factor that heightens regional tensions and threatens stability.
The Defense White Paper is an annual publication that provides an analytical overview of global military developments, security trends, and the activities of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. First issued in 1970 and published yearly since 1976, the report reflects the Ministry of Defense’s perspectives and serves as a basis for shaping Japan’s national security policies, though it is not an official strategic document.
