Japan and Russia set on hard task of normalising ties

Significance

Abe's government pursues a policy of expanding economic cooperation with Russia as a route to resolving the Southern Kuril/Northern Territories dispute and signing a bilateral peace treaty. President Vladimir Putin's visit to Japan on December 15-16 did not result in the breakthrough some were expecting.

Impacts

• Better relations with US President-elect Donald Trump may embolden Moscow in negotiating with Japan.
• Tensions with China focusing on the East and South China seas give Japan an incentive to pursue closer ties with Russia.
• In Russia, any handover of Kuril territory would be compared with the symbolism of annexing Crimea.