Matsuno: Russian Drills On Japan - Claimed Islands 'unacceptable'
Japan's top government spokesperson says Japan has lodged a protest with Russia for including two Japan-claimed islands as training grounds in Moscow's upcoming military exercises.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu was speaking to reporters on Monday.
The training sites announced by Russia in July include Etorofu and Kunashiri, two of the four islands Japan calls the Northern Territories.
Russia controls the four islands. Japan claims them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two.
Matsuno said Japan conveyed to Russia through diplomatic channels on July 27 that Russia's move runs counter to Japan's position on the Northern Territories and is totally unacceptable. He said Japan urged Russia to exclude the islands from the training grounds.
Matsuno also said Japan expressed concern about Russia's increasing military activities near Japan while the invasion of Ukraine continues.
He said Japan is gathering information on the situation and will take appropriate measures.