The Evolution and Prospects of the Russian Strategy in the Asia-Pacific Region

Abstract

The understanding of Russia to develop the eastern area and to carry out Asia-Pacific cooperation has changed distinctly after the Ukrainian crisis. It no longer looks at the Asian-Pacific region from the previous perspective of the East and West balanced development and the Eurasian balanced diplomacy, whereas it regards cooperation with the Asia-Pacific countries as an important support for itself to get rid of the economic crisis and diplomatic isolation, and realize modernization, and as a battleground to pursuit the great national aspirations. Arms sales and energy are two important levers for Russia’s involvement in the Asian-Pacific region. Actively deepening the relations with China is a key element of Russia’s Asia-Pacific strategy. However, Russia’s “Turn to the East” is not only for China. Cooperation and balance are two means for Russia to construct the Asia-Pacific diplomatic diversity. It is a controversial issue whether Russia’s foreign strategy, “Turn to the East”, is a passive act or an active behavior. In fact, Russia’s “integration” with Asian-Pacific area faces many problems and challenges.