Tokyo, Oct. 13 (Jiji Press)–A delegation from China has visited Etorofu, one of the four Russian-controlled northwestern Pacific islands claimed by Japan, the government of the Sakhalin region in the Russian Far East said Tuesday. The visit by the mission, comprising local government officials and business representatives from the northeastern China province of Heilongjiang, which borders Russia, came as part of Sakhalin’s efforts to attract investment in the island. Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko said that the Kuril Islands, including the four disputed islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan, have great potential for tourism and business development. He said that it is the task of the regional government to create a favorable environment for investors. The move appears to be aimed at expanding economic cooperation between Russia and China. According to the Sakhalin government’s announcement, Chinese business representatives showed particular interest in sea urchin and sea cucumber aquaculture. They also expressed willingness to work with local companies to build a seafood-processing facility. The delegation also inspected potential sites for tourism infrastructure, amid calls for more accommodation facilities for tourists on the Kuril Islands. Russia designated the Kuril Islands as a special tax-free zone in 2022, exempting businesses from corporate tax. Foreign firms are also eligible for preferential treatments. Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to Etorofu in August, his first visit to any of the four disputed islands, and inspected facilities including a seafood-processing factory. At an economic forum held in the Far East city of Vladivostok last month, Putin stressed that tax incentives on the islands have been successful and indicated that Moscow will continue promoting economic development in the region. Japan strongly criticized Putin’s visit to Etorofu, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi calling it “absolutely unacceptable.” Russia, in turn, slammed Tokyo’s criticism. The four islands were seized by the former Soviet Union from Japan at the end of World War II and have long been claimed by the Asian nation. The territorial dispute has prevented Tokyo and Moscow from concluding a peace treaty to formally end their wartime hostilities. On Tuesday, Takaichi told reporters at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo that her government is working to confirm the facts about the Sakhalin government’s announcement of the Chinese mission’s visit to Etorofu and will “respond appropriately in line with our country’s position (on the islands).” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
