What Is Russia's Grand Strategy For Asia?

Photo Credit: World Economic Forum

Putin’s Grand Plan For Asia -- Richard Weitz, The Diplomat

Worried Russia will be marginalized by China, expect Vladimir Putin to push his Eurasian Union vision – and perhaps spring a surprise over Pakistan.

Vladimir Putin, Russia’s current prime minister and future president, has shown a strong interest in Asian affairs. In his second term, Putin would undoubtedly like to maintain good ties with China, consolidate Moscow’s first-among-equals status in Central Asia, manage the regional repercussions of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, prevent a war or major crisis in the Koreas, and deepen Russia’s integration into East Asia’s more dynamic and prosperous economic networks. At the same time, Putin is eager to strengthen Russia’s position in Europe.

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My Comment: When it comes to Asia the focus has been on America's pivot to the region .... emphasizing the military component that the U.S. is bringing. But it appears that the Americans are not alone .... the Russians are also focused on Asia, but they are emphasizing the economic component in their policy.

Who will be more successful .... hmmmm .... if I was a betting man .... I would put my money on Russia to succeed in the long run over the U.S. in establishing better relations with Asian countries who .... while they may be wary of the growing power of China .... are still more focused on their economies and prosperity.