Japan Objects to New United Nations World Map Over Kuril Islands
Japan has requested changes after the new world map adopted by the United Nations depicted the disputed Kuril Islands as belonging to Russia.
The Japanese government announced that it has lodged a formal protest through diplomatic channels in response to the new world map adopted at the United Nations General Assembly, which showed the disputed Kuril Islands in the same color as Russia.
United Nations Map Decision
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a new world map following a vote held on Friday.
In the newly adopted map, the African continent was depicted larger while the North American and European continents were reduced in size, which also drew criticism from the United States.
Japan's Grounds for Objection
Although Japan was one of the 164 UN members that voted in favor, it objected to the Kuril Islands—which it refers to as the Northern Territories—being shown in the same color as Russia on the map.
Japanese Government Spokesman Minoru Kihara stated on Thursday that the new map contains a depiction that contradicts the official position of the Japanese government.
Diplomatic Initiatives and Historical Background
The Japanese side delivered a formal note of protest through diplomatic channels due to the depiction in question on the map.
The disputed islands were seized by the former Soviet Union in 1945, and a previous surprise visit to the islands by Russian President Vladimir Putin had caused tensions between the two countries.