Japan protests Russia's takeover of JT subsidiaries
Summary
Japan has protested to Moscow after Russia placed four subsidiaries of Japan Tobacco Inc. under temporary Russian management and demanded the move be withdrawn immediately. The decision has deepened tensions between the two countries amid disputes over the Kuril Islands and other recent diplomatic frictions.
Key Points
- Japan lodged a formal protest after Russia placed four Japan Tobacco subsidiaries under temporary management of a Russian company.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Tokyo sent senior officials to Moscow to demand the measure be withdrawn.
- The dispute comes amid rising tensions over the Kuril Islands and the recent arrest of a Japanese journalist in Russia.
- Japan Tobacco said it is assessing the impact, while Japanese ministers vowed to protect company assets.
