China backs Russia in Kuril Islands dispute, criticizes Japan's Takaichi

China has publicly backed Russia in its ongoing territorial dispute with Japan over the Kuril Islands, while also leveling criticism at Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, stated that Beijing aligns with recent comments made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Lavrov had criticized Tokyo's reaction to Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup, the largest of the four disputed islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories. Lin Jian echoed Lavrov's sentiment, asserting that Japan's stance challenges the international order established after World War II. China accused Takaichi of failing to reflect on Japan's militaristic past, attempting to "whitewash Japanese aggression in China," and abandoning pacifism.

Beijing also supported Lavrov's reference to "enemy state" clauses in the UN Charter following World War II, arguing that recalling these provisions helps preserve the outcomes of the conflict and the post-war international order. This diplomatic alignment between China and Russia occurs amid a period of significant friction between Beijing and Tokyo.

Relations have been particularly strained since Takaichi suggested last year that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could warrant intervention by Japan's Self-Defense Forces. Adding to the complex geopolitical landscape, China and Japan are themselves embroiled in a separate territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing. Chinese Coast Guard vessels recently conducted patrols in the waters surrounding these islands.

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