Japan has protested bitterly after Russia’s prime minister visited a disputed island in a row that threatens improved relations between the two countries.
Dmitry Medvedev visited the island of Iturup, known as Etorofu in Japan, and declared the Kuril islands were part of Russia. “This is how it is and how it will be,” said Mr Medvedev on Saturday. The island is one of four disputed since the end of the second world war.
Japan summoned the Russian ambassador for a dressing down, telling him the visit was “extremely regrettable” and “injured the feelings of the Japanese people”, while the foreign minister will delay a planned visit to Moscow.