Russia thumbs its nose at Japan

MOSCOW (AP) — Dmitry Medvedev's visit to a disputed Pacific island, despite strong objections from Japan, seemed intended both to stamp Russia's authority in Asia and to strengthen the Russian president at home.

Medvedev has at times been upstaged by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who still retains more clout, so by staking claim to the disputed islands in the same brash vein as his popular mentor he appears to be trying to boost his image.

Tokyo protested in September when Medvedev announced the trip would go ahead. He took that as a dare.

"You are going to dictate to us how to behave in our own country, are you? We'll show you," was Moscow's stance, said Fyodor Lukyanov, the editor of Russia in Global Affairs. "The format and publicity over Medvedev's visit was an answer to Japan's protest."

Monday's visit to Kunashiri island on Monday — the first by a Russian leader — also promoted Russia's authority on Asia, a continent that in comparison to Europe and the U.S. has suffered neglect in Moscow's foreign policy.

"The message is: 'We are here. Deal with us,'" Lukyanov said.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was even more blunt Wednesday.

"The president of Russia doesn't discuss with anyone what region of the Russian Federation he will select for his visit. We don't need any advice from Japan on that.

"And if the detailed explanation given by the president of Russia, me and other representatives of the Russian leadership are unclear, I would only recommend to read it again. It says it all: This is our land," Lavrov said.

He added that Russia is ready to develop ties with Japan, and warned it against taking any steps that would create obstacles for cooperation.

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