Diplomatic offensive signals growing alignment between Beijing and Moscow to isolate Tokyo ahead of key November summit.

The four southernmost islands of the chain also are claimed by Japan, which calls them the Northern Territories.

Putin’s first visit to the disputed islands comes as Moscow-Tokyo relations remain strained over Japan’s support for Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited the disputed Kuril Islands for the first time, travelling to Iturup as Moscow's relations with Japan remain deeply strained over…