Putin statement on Kuril Islands, U.S. military rattles Japan

A statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin about U.S. military buildup in the disputed Kuril Islands is raising concerns in Japan, despite plans in Tokyo to increase economic cooperation in the territories.


Putin said Thursday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum Russians should be prepared for increased U.S. presence along Russia's eastern border, if Japan regains control of the Kuril Islands.

"Concerning the theoretical possibility of the U.S. troop deployment on these [Kuril] islands if we assume that they would someday come under the sovereignty of Japan. Well, yes, this possibility exists," Putin said.
 [upi.com]
2/6/17