Do you know? Recently there has been another big drama on the international stage, the protagonists are Russia and Japan, and the stage is the headache of the South Kuril Islands. It's not easy, it's a real-life version of Game of Thrones.
First of all, let's figure out, what exactly are the South Kuril Islands? This place is called the Northern Territories by the Japanese, and the South Kuril Islands by the Russians.
Although the total area of these four small islands is only 5,035 square kilometers, the geographical location is very good, and the strategic value is very large. Come to think of it, this is a fortress that controls the mouth of the Pacific Ocean.
Speaking of controversy, it goes back to World War II. In 1945, the Soviet Union occupied the islands under the Yalta Agreement, and Japan later relinquished its sovereignty over the islands in the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty.
However, Japan has never given up its claim to sovereignty over these islands, and the matter has never ended.
At present, Russia has carried out a number of military maneuvers on these islands, such as deploying anti-ship missile systems and strengthening military construction in the Far East. This is not a trivial matter, it is clearly telling the world that Russia is not easy to mess with.
On the Japanese side, although it looks quite peaceful on the surface, in fact, their Maritime Self-Defense Force is not weak, especially those Aegis ships, which are representatives of high technology. The comparison of the military forces of these two sides is simply a modern version of the "cold war".
However, if it really starts, who can take advantage? Let's not forget, the cost of modern warfare is enormous. Just like the current Russia-Ukraine war, it is not a joke, it is real money, and there are countless lives.
Speaking of which, I have to mention history. Historically, Japan and Russia have had a lot of fights because of territorial issues.
But in the end, wasn't the problem resolved through negotiation and diplomacy? This shows that it is absolutely possible to settle disputes peacefully.
And, let's not forget, the waters around the South Kuril Islands are rich in resources. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the fishery resources and potential mineral resources there are invaluable.
If this can be properly developed, it will be a great economic benefit for either party.
Ultimately, though, the islands are not just about military and economic issues, but also about the future of the people of both countries. Think about it, if a war is triggered because of a territorial dispute, isn't it still the common people who suffer?
So, I think both Japan and Russia should calm down and think about how to solve this problem peacefully. After all, peace is the most precious thing, isn't it?
What do you have to say about this? Speak freely in the comment area, and we'll see you next time