Putin Voices Concern over U.S. Missile Defense Systems in Japan

December 21, 2018

Moscow--Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his concern over the planned deployment of U.S. missile defense systems in Japan, at his annual year-end press conference on Thursday.

The Russian leader, at the same time, stressed again that his country aims to conclude a World War II peace treaty with Japan.

At a meeting in Singapore last month, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Putin agreed to spur peace treaty negotiations based on the 1956 Japan-Soviet joint declaration, which stipulates that two of four northwestern Pacific islands at the center of the two countries' territorial row be handed over to Japan after the conclusion of a peace treaty. Abe is slated to visit Russia early next year.

Despite the agreement, however, the Russian side could maintain its tough stance on the territorial issue, due to Japan's security alliance with the United States, observers said.

During the press conference, Putin said security issues are extremely important in the peace treaty negotiations.

He claimed that the U.S. missile defense systems to be deployed in Japan can be converted for use for launching nuclear missile attacks.

The president also mentioned the possibility that U.S. troops could be deployed on the islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, once Russia hands them over to Japan.

Unless the Russian concerns are addressed, it would be very difficult for Moscow to make a landmark decision in the territorial issue, Putin said.

He argued that the United States could ignore Moscow's security concerns related to the island issue, just as it is pushing ahead with a military base project in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, despite local opposition.

Meanwhile, Putin pointed out that he and Abe share the recognition that the current situation between their countries is abnormal, indicating his eagerness to conclude a peace treaty that formally ends the two countries' World War II hostilities.

Putin denied that Russia only needs economic cooperation from Japan.

Although the negotiation process is complicated, Russia is ready to follow the path with Japan, he said. Jiji Press