KURIL ISLANDS
1. Context
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine drags on, Moscow is forced to funnel more and more of its military and economic resources to its western border. In Tokyo, conservative voices are hinting the war could give Japan a chance to take control of what the Japanese call the Northern Territories. The strategically located islands are known as Kuril Islands in Russia, and were seized by Soviet forces in the closing days of WWII
2. About Kuril Islands
The Kuril Islands, also known as the Kurile Islands, are a volcanic archipelago situated in the Northern Pacific Ocean.
They form a chain of islands that stretches approximately 1,300 kilometers (810 miles) northeast from Hokkaido, Japan, to the southern tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East
The Kuril Islands are divided into two main groups: the Greater Kurils and the Lesser Kurils. The Greater Kurils are closer to the Kamchatka Peninsula and include islands such as Iturup (Etorofu), Kunashir (Kunashiri), Shikotan, and Urup. The Lesser Kurils are located farther south and consist of islands like Paramushir, Onekotan, and Rasshua
3.History of territorial disputes
- Throughout history, the Kuril Islands have been subject to territorial disputes between Japan and Russia.
- The disagreement stems from the aftermath of World War II when the Soviet Union took control of the islands, which were previously part of Japan's territory.
- The dispute over the islands' ownership remains unresolved to this day, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the southernmost four islands of the chain: Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai.
- Moscow and Tokyo have held talks about the Iturup (Etorofu in Japanese), Kunashir (Kunashiri), Shikotan and Habomai Islets several times in the past, but failed to agree on a solution.
- This led to the two sides never formally signing a peace treaty to end the war
- China is not a direct party to the dispute, but it has expressed support for Russia's claim to the islands. In 2022, China and Russia conducted a joint military exercise on the Kuril Islands, which was seen as a sign of support for Russia's position
4. China and Russia o Kuril Islands
- There are a number of reasons why China might support Russia's claim to the Kuril Islands. First, the islands are strategically important, as they control access to the Sea of Okhotsk. Second, China may see the dispute as a way to weaken Japan, which is a US ally.
- Third, China may be trying to curry favor with Russia, as it seeks to counter US influence in the region
- China and Russia do share a border, and like with any neighboring countries, they may have other geopolitical issues and interests that they need to address.
- However, as of my last update, the Kuril Islands dispute remains a matter primarily between Japan and Russia
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For Prelims: Kuril Islands, World War II, World War I
For Mains: 1.The Kuril Islands and Russia's Far East Policy: Evaluate the role of the Kuril Islands in Russia's foreign and domestic policies, particularly in terms of resource exploration, economic development, and maintaining territorial integrity.
2.Geopolitical Interests in the Kuril Islands: Examine the involvement of other countries or international organizations in the Kuril Islands dispute and their interests in the region. Discuss the significance of the Kuril Islands in global geopolitics
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Previous Year Questions
1.The Kuril Island dispute or Northern Territories dispute, is a dispute between Japan and ------ (UPRVUNL AE ME 2014)
A. China
B. South Korea
C. Russia
D. Philippines
Answer-C
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Source: indianexpress
