Japan may designate Russia as a security "challenge" in its national strategy to be revised this year following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, a shift from the government's stance of seeking bilateral cooperation to resolve a territorial dispute, government sources said Wednesday.
The Russian invasion has drawn sharp international condemnation, prompting Japan to slap sanctions against Russia while opposing any unilateral use of force to change the status quo.
The country is currently identified in the national security strategy as a "partner" with which Tokyo will promote peace and stability in the international community.