Analysis: China defies Mao's support for Japan in Russia islands row

What happened: Nikkei analysis says China has shifted from Mao Zedong's stance backing Japan's claim to four islands Russia administers, a subtle change as the Beijing-Moscow partnership deepens. Why it matters: The analysis frames the shift as a new lever Xi Jinping can use against Japan while China's ties with Russia grow closer. Key numbers: The content cites four disputed islands and Mao Zedong's backing of Japan's claim.

Nikkei analysis says China has shifted from Mao Zedong's stance backing Japan's claim to four islands Russia administers, a subtle change as the Beijing-Moscow partnership deepens.

The analysis frames the shift as a new lever Xi Jinping can use against Japan while China's ties with Russia grow closer. Key numbers: The content cites four disputed islands and Mao Zedong's backing of Japan's claim.