31.   The islands were seized by the former Soviet Union in the closing days of World War II.

32.   The islands were seized by the Soviet Union in the closing days of World War II, a move Japan claims was illegal.

33.   The islands were seized from Japan by the Soviet army at the end of World War II.

34.   The Soviet Red Army seized the islands of Shikotan, Kunashiri and Etorofu and the Habomai group of islands at the end of World War II.

35.   The Soviet Union seized the islands from Japan in the closing days of World War II.

36.   The Soviet army seized the islands in the final days of World War II, and Tokyo has demanded their return ever since.

37.   There is another practical consideration Beijing would weigh before picking a fight with Taiwan -- whether it has the military might to seize the island.

38.   This issue has prevented them from signing a peace treaty since Soviet troops seized the islands at the end of World War II.

39.   After a three-day battle in which nine soldiers were killed, the island was seized by Eritrean troops.

40.   Beijing has vowed to seize the island by force should it ever declare independence.