February 26

Part II Session 1: Russia’s View of the Strategic Transformation

This session focused on how Russia views the recent shift of the power balance in the Indo-Pacific region, including an assessment of Russia's current "Pivot to the East" policy proposed by the Putin administration, the medium- to long-term prospects for the strategic balance between the US and China, and the new Biden administration's Indo-Pacific policy and its implications for Japan-Russia relations.

Regarding the changing balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region, it was pointed out that Russia is paying attention to India's rise, and that Russia, which opposes the FOIP promoted by Japan and the US as a policy of containment of China and Russia, is trying to counter this by promoting its own "Greater Eurasia" concept through stronger relations with India. On Russia's "Pivot to the East", it was noted that Russia’s strategic relations with China have become closer due to the impact of the US containment policy towards China and Russia, but that the establishment of multifaceted relationships with other Asian countries is only partway along.

As for other prospects for the strategic balance between the US and China, it was observed that an arms control system involving China will be necessary but tough to achieve. In addition, it was suggested that, although it would be difficult to resolve the Northern Territories issue in the context of the ongoing confrontation between the US and Russia, Japan should promote cooperation with Russia in areas where Japan can gain practical benefits, such as exploitation of the Northern Sea Route, energy development projects, and measures against global warming.

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