Tokyo Disregarded US Opposition to Putin Visit: Japanese Daily

The source that spoke on condition of anonymity said Tokyo has disregarded US opposition to a planned bilateral summit between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tokyo next week.
 
Last month, Washington repeatedly conveyed its objection to the Abe-Putin meeting in the Japanese capital out of concern that it might relieve pressure on Moscow by the Group of Seven economies, but Japan formally announced the summit for Dec. 16, as well as another meeting in Yamaguchi Prefecture the previous day.
 
The daily says despite the opposition by Washington, Abe wants to maintain good relations with Russia in the hope of achieving a breakthrough in the decades-old territorial dispute and concluding a postwar peace treaty.
 
The Japanese government’s decision to go ahead with staging a summit with Putin in the capital highlights a rift between Tokyo and Washington on the issue.
 
Obama administration has reportedly conveyed its opposition to Japan over the planned Abe-Putin meeting more than once through diplomatic channels around in November.
 
The US government voiced concern that staging such a meeting in the Japanese capital could send the wrong message that the G-7 is not united in pressuring Moscow, the sources said.
 
The Japanese government is believed to have told Washington that Putin’s planned visit should not be seen as especially favorable treating because the Russian leader will not be meeting with Japanese Emperor Akihito.
 
A Japanese government source said, “Although Japan needs to play a role as a G-7 member, it is also natural for us to pursue national interests and holding a summit meeting in Tokyo causes no problem.”