Japan has protested to Russia over its plan to boost troop strength on disputed islands, Japan's top government spokesman said on Feb 23, the latest move in a territorial row that has overshadowed ties since World War II. Chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference the government was closely monitoring Russia's actions and analysing information. "If the move leads to the reinforcement of Russian military on the islands, it would be incompatible with Japan's stance and it is regrettable as they are inherently our territory," he said. Suga made the comment after media reports that Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu talked about a plan to deploy a military division to the islands, including areas Japan claims as its territory, this year.
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