What does the first visit to the Kuril Islands by Vladimir Putin mean for China?

AI Summary

Vladimir Putin's first visit to the disputed southern Kuril Islands symbolizes Moscow and Beijing's united stance to pressure Japan on issues like sanctions and Taiwan. The visit, close to the WWII surrender anniversary, highlights ongoing regional geopolitical tensions.

Vladimir Putin’s unprecedented visit to the disputed southern Kuril Islands is among a broader joint push by Beijing and Moscow to pressure Japan over a range of grievances, including sanctions on Russia and the Taiwan issue, experts say. The Russian president’s symbolic visit on Thursday to the far east volcanic archipelago north of Japan’s Hokkaido – which Japan calls the Northern Territories – was days ahead of the anniversary on Saturday of Japan’s surrender in World War II. It is Putin’s...