Putin's Oriental Puzzle

In: The world today, Band 61, Heft 12, S. 15-16

Abstract

Factors that have impeded Russia's development of a comprehensive Asian foreign policy are studied. Although Russia enjoys closer relations with the People's Republic of China, it is stressed that the Chinese state's regional interests, coupled with Russian-Sino historical relations, could jeopardize the Russian state's economic, geopolitical, & security interests. It is asserted that Russia should attempt to further develop better relations with other nations in the Asia-Pacific region to address its concerns with the Chinese state. However, it is noted that Russia's tumultuous foreign relations with Japan, caused primarily by Russia's appropriation of the South Kuriles from Japan during WWII, will likely stifle efforts to enhance Japanese-Russian economic & political relations. Even though other circumstances could additionally diminish Russia's foreign policy toward Asia, it is concluded that petroleum exports to energy-hungry Asian nations could enhance Russian economic & political influence across Asia. J. W. Parker