Russia has officially given names to two uninhabited islets in the disputed Northern Territories, a move that is likely to heighten tensions with Japan. The decision follows a recent series of actions taken by Moscow to strengthen its administrative control over the region. This step by Russia is not expected to be taken well by Japan, which claims sovereignty over the four southernmost islands in the Kuril chain.

In Japan, the naming of these Russian-controlled islets is likely to be construed as a blunt repudiation of Tokyo’s territorial claims. The sovereignty over these territories is a significant issue as it directly impacts the signing of a formal peace treaty, which has been pending since World War II. Japan may view this action as a provocation, further complicating an already complex, historically fraught issue.

Disputes over naming territories are not exclusive to Japan and Russia; similar issues exist globally, including the US and EU. For instance, ongoing territorial conflicts in the South China Sea have seen similar attempts at reinforcing sovereignty through naming or renaming of regions. In all cases, such issues tend to exacerbate tensions and often become major roadblocks in diplomatic relations.