On May 23, Shinjiro Koizumi, head of Japan’s Ministry of Defense, stated that Japan is deeply concerned about Russia’s alleged military activities in the Far East. According to Koizumi, Russian forces are conducting operations not only across eastern regions but also on the southern Kuril Islands—specifically Kunashir, Shikotan, Iturup, and Habomai.
The defense official described Russia’s strategic cooperation with China as a critical concern. To address these developments, Koizumi called for enhanced strengthening of Japan’s defense system, particularly along its southwestern borders.
