Japan sent formal protest to Moscow 23 Feb after Russian defence minister said Russia plans to deploy additional forces to disputed Kuril islands/Northern Territories in 2017; earlier in month protested Russian move to name five uninhabited islands in archipelago.

Meeting 15-16 Dec, Japanese PM Abe and Russian President Putin agreed to take steps to resolve dispute over islands, including joint economic projects.

Meeting on sidelines of APEC summit in Peru 19 Nov, Japanese PM Abe and Russian President Putin agreed to hold talks mid-Dec on long-standing Kuril Islands/Northern Territories territorial dispute; Putin said they were ready to “move forward in the development of bilateral relations”. Abe called subsequent reports that Russia had deployed advanced anti-ship missile systems on two of the islands “regrettable”.

In latest move to shore up presence on disputed islands, Russia 1 March announced instalment of modern anti-ship, anti-aircraft missiles, 25 March announced plan to build airport.

Amid strained Moscow-Tokyo relations over disputed territory, Russian President Medvedev 9 Feb ordered additional arms deployment on Kuril Islands to protect “inseparable part” of Russia.

Japan recalled ambassador to Russia 1 Nov following same day visit by Russian President Medvedev to disputed Kuril Islands; diplomatic ties resumed 7 Nov.

Russian border guards 29 Jan fired on 2 Japanese fishing boats close to disputed islands, prompting formal protest from Japan.

Japanese PM Abe marked Northern Territory Day 7 February calling for end to dispute; Moscow said open to talks but Russian control of islands not up for negotiation.