In response to a similar move by Moscow, Japan expels a Russian consul

Japan has ordered a high-ranking Russian official residing in it to leave its territory, in response to the expulsion of a Japanese diplomat on suspicion of espionage, according to what the Japanese Foreign Ministry confirmed.

The move came after Tokyo last week demanded Moscow apologize for the arrest of a diplomat based in the eastern city of Vladivostok, accusing Russia of blindfolding the man and preventing him from moving in “incredible actions”.

On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it would expel a Russian consul in the northern city of Sapporo “as a measure similar to Russia’s actions.”