Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on August 13 that Japanese authorities have chosen to ensure their national interests by aligning with the United States through militarization.
In an interview, Lavrov stated: “Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was an absolutely correct politician who understood that national interests cannot be ensured without cooperation with the Russian Federation. Those who replaced him believe that these interests should be ensured together with the United States by starting the militarization of Japan.”
The diplomat also noted that during recent visits to Moscow, Japanese delegations were explicitly forbidden from discussing joint projects with Russia. “There was recent information,” Lavrov added, “that some Japanese delegation of businessmen came and stated bluntly: we have firm instructions from the country’s leadership not to discuss any projects with you.”
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin described Japan’s current stance as a stark contrast to constructive relations that existed during Shinzo Abe’s tenure. Speaking on August 12 while watching military exercises from aboard the Varyag missile cruiser, Putin stated: “Russia and Japan had very constructive relations when the country’s government was headed by Shinzo Abe. His Japanese counterpart has done a lot to bring the two countries closer, but now Tokyo’s position is radically different.”
Putin further said that he sought to understand Japan’s position after it imposed unprovoked sanctions against Russia and for the first time called Russia “the main source of threats,” despite Moscow having never threatened Tokyo.
