Japan Protests Russian Missile Drills Near Disputed Islands

Japan has protested against planned Russian missile exercises off the disputed Kuril Islands, which Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited. Japan's response to the Russian drills came as China's foreign minister urged Japan's leaders to heed calls from Japanese lawmakers for improving bilateral ties. Japan has remained muted on Putin's visit to the disputed islands, while US intentions remain murky. North Korea is also ratcheting up its anti-Japan rhetoric.