Russia says Japan's new sanctions worsen Russia-Japan relations

China News Service, Moscow, October 5th. On the 5th, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova commented on Japan’s latest sanctions against Russia, saying that the Japanese government continues to take rash actions, causing the already “depleted” Russia-Japan relations to further deteriorate.

Zakharova said that on October 2, Japan announced the 27th round of illegal sanctions against Russia, involving 33 Russian legal entities, 9 individuals, and multiple overseas companies. For the first time, it included restrictive measures in the shipping field.

Zakharova said that the Japanese authorities tried to use the "situation around Ukraine" as an excuse to justify these hostilities that were not initiated by Russia, and even promoted them as "contributions to the peaceful resolution of problems." Russia believes that this further proves that Tokyo's foreign policy lacks independence. Its decision-making is not based on national interests, but blindly follows its European and American allies who are obsessed with causing Russia to suffer "strategic failure." Japan's move will not only not help Ukraine achieve long-term peace, but will only make this prospect more distant.

Zakharova said that Japan's move once again shows its disregard for international law and bilateral agreements between Russia and Japan. She emphasized that Japan's unfriendly actions will inevitably lead to a response from Russia, and Russia will focus on taking corresponding countermeasures in areas of concern to Japan.

According to Japanese media reports, the Japanese government decided to impose additional sanctions on Russia at a cabinet meeting on the 2nd. The sanctions targets include 33 Russian companies and institutions and 9 individuals. For the first time, 35 ships that Japan has determined to be related to Russia are included in the scope of sanctions. This is also the first time that the Gao city government has taken the initiative to impose additional sanctions on Russia during its term of office. (over)