WEB DESK
Russia has criticized Japan for showing understanding for the US decision to pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, or INF. Russia says Japan’s stance could affect bilateral dialogue.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that Russia continues to be in grave breach of the treaty. He said the Japanese government understands the concerns behind the US move.
Russia’s national security council said on Tuesday the remarks come from a country that is pressing ahead with military cooperation with the United States and they will inevitably affect the Russia-Japan security talks.
Russia’s Ambassador to Japan, Mikhail Galuzin, said that strengthening the Japan-US alliance on the premise of the anti-Russian stance being pursued by Washington will not help to create the right atmosphere for peace talks with Japan.
Observers say Russia is watching how far Japan will address Russia’s security concerns in the bilateral peace negotiations. They say Russia’s warning has thrown cold water on Japan’s eagerness for progress in the peace talks.