Chilly relations prevents inking of Japan-Russia peace treaty

A cold spell with snow put spring on hold in Tokyo on Wednesday, the day Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov landed in Japan on a visit. His Japanese counterpart Taro Kono ascribed the snow to the Russian visitor. "Since we did not interfere in your elections, we decided to intervene in the weather," Lavrov replied in a lighter vein.

Jest aside, a chill has indeed descended upon Japan-Russia relations.

Talking about Japan's Aegis Ashore system, Lavrov said it is effectively becoming part of the US missile defense network and will have a direct effect on Russia's security. Despite Russia's opposition, Japan has decided to buy two land-based Aegis Ashore systems to add to its current two-tier missile defense system consisting of Patriot missiles and Aegis-equipped destroyers, ostensibly to enhance its capability to intercept ballistic missiles from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.