Putin Lauds Tax Breaks for Islands Claimed by Japan

Tokyo, Sept. 3 (Jiji Press)–Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that tax breaks for the four Russian-held islands that Japan calls the Northern Territories have been successful, underscoring Moscow’s intent to develop the islands as Russian territory. Putin made this remark in his speech at a plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok. In 2022, Russia designated the Kuril Islands, including the four Japan-claimed islands, as a special zone, exempting businesses from corporate and other taxes. This July, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic announced the start of production and sales of bottled drinking water on Kunashiri Island, one of the disputed islands. During his speech, Putin emphasized the importance of continuing to create a favorable environment for investors by drawing on experience with the system to further develop the region. In August, Putin made his first visit to Etorofu Island, the largest of the disputed islands. On Wednesday, he told reporters in Kyrgyzstan that he was not surprised by Japan’s protest over his visit, and claimed that Japan was responsible for the deterioration of Japan-Russia relations. Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia’s possession of the four islands resulted from World War II. Thursday marked Russia’s Victory Day over Japan. Ahead of a parliamentary election in Russia later this month, Putin apparently intended to appeal to patriotic sentiment by highlighting development on the Japan-claimed islands. The Eastern Economic Forum conference is being held for the 11th time this year. From 2016 to 2019, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the event and discussed Japan-Russia cooperation. After Russia began invading Ukraine in 2022, however, the forum became a venue for showcasing solidarity with countries that have not joined sanctions against Moscow. At Thursday’s plenary session, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang also gave speeches. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]