[Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Japan’s “remilitarization” threatens peace and stability in Northeast Asia] On September 16, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 16th that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko held talks with Japan’s Ambassador to Russia Akira Muto on the same day and exchanged views on bilateral relations between Russia and Japan. Russia stated that "Japanese officials continue to pursue an anti-Russian line," including the recent "hysterical" response in Japan to Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Southern Kuril Islands (called the "Four Northern Islands" by Japan), as well as the continuous expansion of military assistance to Ukraine. These practices have made the prospect of normalizing dialogue relations between Russia and Japan more distant. Russia pointed out that Japan's "remilitarization" is dangerous. Japan, the United States and other Western allies continue to intensify military training activities near Russia's Far Eastern border and deploy medium-range missile systems in Japan. All these measures pose a direct threat to Russia's national security and peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Russia stated that if Japan continues to carry out such activities, Russia will take necessary countermeasures to ensure that its national defense capabilities are maintained at the appropriate level. (CCTV News)