Japan Protests Chinese Delegation Visit to Disputed Iturup Island

The Government of Japan issued a formal protest after a delegation of officials and business leaders from China's Heilongjiang Province visited Iturup. The island is part of the Kuril chain currently controlled by Russia but claimed by Tokyo as part of the Northern Territories.

The Chinese delegation visited the island earlier in October to survey potential tourism and aquaculture projects. The Japanese government views the visit as a strategic move by Russia and China to increase their alignment and apply pressure to the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.