Despite the fact that Asia has a long-established history, it has always been in the background, and while developments in other regions often took place in the world agenda, Asia observed these developments for a long time. Whereas on account of its increasing importance starting from the beginning of the 20th century, it has begun to attract attention of the entire world slowly. Under these circumstances, there has been an increase in the number of states, who aimed to have a say in Asian politics. China, Japan, India, South Korea, North Korea, which settled in the continent long time ago, became the countries, which attracted the highest attention in the region, United States of America (USA) from the opposite coast of Pacific and United Kingdom from Europe followed them. However it is impossible to separate Russian Federation (RF), which settled in the northeast of the region long time ago, from Asia and Pacific.

When handled in this context, it would be incorrect to evaluate Russia as a new actor in Asia Pacific Region. Thus existence of Russians in Asia is long established. However the matter of dispute at this point is the extent of use of this advantage of Moscow and the eras concerned.

After stating the fact that the first grounds of importance attached to Russian Far East by Putin is ensuring development of provinces, located far from the center, the second issue, we will emphasize is demographic situation. Despite the fact that Siberia lands are affluent, it is far more behind in terms of population. Namely the number of human beings, residing in this region of 15 million square meters, comprising of 75 % of the total resources of the country, is solely 20 million.[1]

The fact that the total population in a country of this dimension is 142 million and it constantly decreases is a risk by itself. Putin, who senses the threat, in the speech delivered in Blagoveşçensk, the capital city of the region of Amur on the date of July 2000, stated that unless necessary precautions are taken for development of Russia Far East Region, Russians, residing in the region would speak Japanese, Chinese or the Korean language as a native tongue in 50 years.[2] As is evident, Putin emphasizes the threat of a possible human flow to arise from China to Russia, which is far behind China demographically. Thus it is known that a significant amount of Chinese[3] residing at the border of Russian-China, pass to Russia every day for work and return to their countries at the end of office hours.

Another strategic importance of Russian Far East is Bering Strait, which is a border with America.  Strategic importance of the strait, which takes place between Alaska, is not discussed. It connects the waters, named as Çukçi Sea on account of the fact that it takes place on Çukotka coast and which is a part of Arktik Ocean, and Bering Sea, which forms a part of Pacific. It would not be incorrect to say that even for control of this strait, Russia would aim to have a say in Asia continent and Pacific Ocean.

Economic Ties between Russia and Asian Countries  

            Development of trade with Asian countries, which is the basis of increase of efficiency in Pacific according to RF, ranks the first for Moscow. Russia directs its politics via establishment of firm commercial relations with all Asian countries; primarily China, Japan, and South Korea, which can be named as great economic powers of the continent. As a requirement and inevitable result of this policy, it became affiliated with APEC[4].

            The best example to be given in terms of this policy of RF can be Japan. Moscow visit, paid by the prime minister of that era, Junichiro Koizumi, on the date of January 2003,  with a couple of agreements signed, increased the rate of Russia-Japan commerce by 2/3 in the subsequent two years and 8.8 billion American dollars, which can be deemed a record in the history of Russia, was reached in the year 2004. The said figure by breaking one more record in the year 2005, rose to 10 billion dollars.[5] It is known that the goods, manufactured by Japan; however transmitted to Russia over third countries; thus not added to Russia-Japan trade statistics directly, amount to 2 billion dollars.[6] It is beyond doubt that energy issue has a high share in this table. However automotive sector within the scope of which Totoya factory, established in St. Petersburg and having 50 thousand production capacity annually, and in terms of which Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi companies seek opportunity to participate has an importance in trade with Russia.  

            Impact of economic ties between Russia and Japan on political arena is not so heart warming. Some border problems between the two states, and the fact that the said states have not signed peace agreements, concluding the 2^nd World War, form the basis of the problems. Thanks to moderate attitudes of both Russian and Japanese leaders, the present point has been achieved. Meeting of Russian Head of State Dimitri Medvedev and Japan Prime Minister  Mikuyi Hatoyama in New York on the date of September 2009 and their holding negotiations on the said border problems heightened hopes of resolution[7]. In the course of this process of change within the scope of which Japan takes place as well, it is expected that Tokyo becomes much more independent such as Russia, Seul, and Beijing. However it will not be satisfied with the military development of a border neighbor, whose problems it cannot resolve fully.

CHINA-RUSSIA TRADE

            Another significant partner of Russian Federation in Asia is People’s Republic of China. Economic ties between Russia-China arose upon intertwinement of China’s military expenditures and energy importation; the said fields formed the bulk of Russia-China trade volume. In the remaining part, some raw materials, purchased from Russia by China, take place. Russia aims at selling industrial products as well; however China, the party, which handles the case pragmatically, thinks of reducing the amount of military materials purchased.[8] In the light of the aforementioned issues, the extent of reliability of China from the perspective of RF is a disputable issue.

It is evident that diplomatic relations, established with South Korea in the year 1991, have become dominant in the economic field especially in the last periods. The two countries made common investments in Nakhodka Free Economy Region, and conducted studies for development of Irkutsk natural gas site. It is known that studies are conducted for connection of Trans-Siberia Railway, which is crucial for South Korea exit to Europe, with Inter-Korea line within Korea.

            High investments are made for space investigations, which are commonly performed by Russia and South Korea.

When statistical data are taken into consideration, with commencement of the 21rst century, economic relations of Russia with China, Japan, and South Korea are far more advanced when compared with the previous eras.

Powerful Role of Rosoboronexport 

            Economic development of Asia triggered another crucial issue, and development of military technologies day by day gave rise to execution of new arms agreements of Asian countries on a constant basis. When handled within this framework, these countries, which cannot cover the increasing arms need alone, naturally adopt cooperation with countries, which have a say in world arms market. Russian Federation, which is one of the said countries, in the last years covered an important distance in distribution and sales of military equipment, mechanism, and all sorts of arms production with Rosoboronexport, which is a state controlled company. According to data of the year 2006, RF ranked the first among the countries, effecting arms sales to developing and under-developed countries subsequent to Soviet Union Era for the first time.[9] China and South Korea, the greatest powers of Asia, are the countries, purchasing significant amounts of arms from Russia. Especially military relations are one of the factors to be taken into consideration in the bilateral cooperation between China and Russia. Starting from the year 2000, interest of China towards Russian arms increased step by step, and reached 45 % of Russian exportation. Common operations, held between Russia and China under Shanghai Cooperation Organization, play a significant role in military relations of the two countries. Within the framework of these practices, Russia supplied war jets, submarines, and destroyer, whose total value amounts to 2 billion dollars. India, which is another Asian country, and which possesses an observer status at Shanghai Cooperation Organization, imported military equipment, and strategic materials to cover 40 % of the total arms exportation of Russia.[10]

Driving Role of Gazprom  

            The most significant point, attracting attention in this field, where Russia makes a struggle for being a world leader, is Gazprom. It is known that the state-controlled company is at the position of the sole implementer in energy policies and can increase-reduce natural gas-oil prices according to countries.  The primary target of Gazprom, which is constantly not content with what it has on the way to being an energy giant, and aims at more, is Europe; however Central Asia and Far East are significant markets and energy resources at the same time. Thus Gazprom has reached up to Pacific shores with the pipes laid within Asia. Whereas in the upcoming years, studies are conducted for projects to connect the two sides of Pacific Ocean; thus reaching USA.[11]

             Russian Federation used to focus on various opinions in terms of energy procurement to Japan and China, two giant countries of Eastern Asia. When Angarsk, which was disputed for a long time, was stated by Vladimir Putin, the head of state of that era, as the project to be activated in Far East and Pacific Line, two alternative methods had been determined. Angarsk province near to Baylak Lake was the start of the pipeline and the first sections of the line collected Irkutsk oils and circled around the lake. The said first line planned reached Russian province Nakhodka having a port in Japan Sea. Passage to Japan through sea following this port reached after covering a distance of approximately 4000 km was the next stage. However this project was not accepted by China on account of the fact that China lands were not used, and thereby an agreement was reached on a second Angarsk line. Within this framework, oil pipeline, starting from Angarsk, would reach  Manzhouli at the border of Russia-China by passage from the south of Baykal Lake and then Daking from that point. China to step in at the next stage would have carried Russia energy up to the capital by completion of China, Daking – Shenyang – and Shenyang-Beijing. Extension of the same line to South Korea finally is among the possibilities as well.

            Thanks to the line, whose estimated cost to be imposed on the operator company is between 15 – 18 billion dollars, Russia will succeed in procuring Angarsk oils to two big Pacific countries simultaneously and will have a say in regional energy policies.  Especially establishment of a natural gas pipeline apart from oil is planned on the way to China through Daking, which can be deemed a significant trump card, which will strengthen Russia and Gazprom. Another possibility apart from that is procurement of energy to China through installation of line to Daking over the province of Skovorodino, which is approximately 50 km distant from the border of China and on Angarsk-Nakhodka line. Thus Russia will realize its significant target, mentioned above, within this framework and will be able to reach the opposite shore of Pacific through a line going beyond the ocean.

Another significant project apart from Angarsk, is Sakhalin. Upon completion of 6 projects of Sakhalin, RF will obtain an important advantage in Pacific as well, and it will ensure that Japan depends on Russian energy through these islands apart from China and South Korea.

APB Problems and Russia  

We can state that two problems of APB are Recognition of Taiwan, and North Korea Nuclear Programme. Besides the most significant issue concerning Russia is Kuril Islands Problem between its part and Japan. Despite the fact that resolution is sought for both under regional and international organizations and through bilateral negotiations of states, no result is obtained on account of the fact that dispute parties do not make concessions persistently.

The attitude, adopted by Russia, in “Taiwan Problem”, which can be defined as the issue, which is discussed often, and which is constantly on the agenda, is clear. Russian Federation accepts sovereignty of only one China, which is People’s Republic of China. Russia, which does not establish relations with Taiwan diplomatically, sustained its economic ties with this country despite this fact and developed commercial relations. In both countries (China-Russia), governments change, new presidents and state heads are elected; however neither Russia nor China changes their opinions in this regard. Putin stated that Russia accepts existence of only People’s Republic of China in the speech he delivered in the year 2000. With the Agreement on Friendship and Good Neighborhood, signed in the year 2001, China and Russia officially announced that they completely resolved the problems between them.[12] Whereas one month before execution of the agreement, by establishment of Shanghai Cooperation Organization with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, they ensured advancement of amicable relations.

Whereas North East Nuclear Programme, is a situation, posing threat not only for APB but for the whole world. As a result of the fact that the said country was isolated from the outer world for long years, broke its connections with the outer world under administration of Kim Il Jong, it took a while to be aware of commencement of nuclear studies of North Korea. North Korea, which is the last country, defined as “Evil Axis” by USA, is criticized by all the world; primarily USA on account of its nuclear programme. Whereas it is evident that Russian Federation quit its indefinite attitude on Iran Nuclear Programme in North Korea issue. RF points out that North Korea’s ceasing all sorts of unamicable activities would be positive in terms of both the region and the world, and stated that it was ready to apply sanctions against this country if deemed necessary.

Kuril Islands, which is an unresolved issue between Russia and Japan in Asia Pacific approximately for 150 years, can be deemed the sole problem of Russia in this region. The islands, given to Japans in the year 1875 against Sakhalin Island, remaining in this country until the end of the 2^nd World War subsequent to falling under domination of Japan following the Revolution of 1917, were shared between Russia and Japan in peace talks following the war. On the issue in terms of which no agreement was reached on account of grounds such as non-fulfillment of mutual promises up to now, non-existence of constructive promises put forth by both parties, and their making no concessions of their ambitions, Putin made the statement below on the date of September 27, 2005: "4 Kuril Islands in terms of which negotiations are sustained with Japan are under dominance of Russian Federation.” within the framework of which he implied that Russian was not prone to resolution.[13] Kuruli Islands are positioned at the eastern edge of Russia, and this situation bears importance in terms of ensuring security of this region, and maintenance of nuclear weapons in case of any threat to be posed from east against Russia. Another importance of these islands, whose economic benefit for both countries is not crucial, is to control the oil fields in the region.[14]  

Conclusion   

Being defined as a big state in the international arena is possible through being effective not only in its own geography but also in all world policies. As is evident in the course of Cold War, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and USA, the super powers of the era, complied with the definition of big state, and assumed decisive roles in international politics. Russian Federation, the successor of Soviet Union, have broad lands and many border neighbors. Under these circumstances, the fact that it cannot maintain its borders and it remains away from global politics, cannot be in question. Russia wants to protect its eastern region just as its western region, and aims at prevention of possible separatist actions and political aims of other countries on their own lands.

Russia yearned return to old splendid days in every area in the course of Vladimir Putin era. Within this framework it would not be incorrect to say that no threat will be posed against existence of Russians in Asia in the near future.  

Mazhar Yasin TUYLUOGLU is Graduate Student in Eurasian Studies in METU

References  

1.    ATAGENÇ, Ömer; Tarihten Günümüze Kuril Adaları Sorunu, Jeopolsar Uluslararası İlişkiler Journal, May 2006

2.    CAŞIN, Mesut Hakkı; Rus İmparatorluk Stratejisi, Ankara, 2002

3.    DE HAAS Marcel; Russia-China Security Cooperation, PINR, November 27, 2006

4.    DUGIN, Aleksandr; Rus Jeopolitiği, Küre Yayınları, April 2005

5.    EKREM, Nuraniye Hidayet; Çin Halk Cumhuriyeti Dış Politikası, Ankara, 2003

6.    GELBRAS Vilya; A Failure to Prepare, Russia Profile, October 5, 2006

7.    GLEB Bernard A.; Russian Oil and Gas Challenges, CRS Report for Congress, January 3, 2006

8.    KAMALOV, İlyas; Japonya, Kuril Adaları Konusunda Geri Adım Atacak mı?, ASAM Günlük Değerlendirmeler, October 2, 2006

9.    KAMALOV, İlyas; Rusya Federasyonu’nun Sınır Sorunları, Stratejik Analiz, volume 6, issue 69, January 2006

10.  KAMALOV, İlyas; Rus Halkının Uzak Doğu Toprakları Konusundaki Kaygıları, ASAM Günlük Değerlendirmeler, November 4, 2004

11.  KAMALOV, İlyas; Putin’in Çin Ziyareti Batı’ya Karşı Bir Bloklaşma mı?, ASAM Günlük Değerlendirmeler, October 14, 2004

12.  ÖZTÜRK, Osman Metin; Rusya Federasyonu Askeri Doktrini, Ankara, 2001

13.  SIMONIA, Nodari A.; Russia in the Asia-Pacific: The Beginning of a New Era?, Asia-Pacific Review, Vol.13, No.1, 2006

14.  TÜYLÜOĞLU, Mazhar Yasin; Gazprom: Rus Süvarisi, Jeopolsar Uluslararası İlişkiler Journal, January 2007

15.  TÜYLÜOĞLU, Mazhar Yasin; Gazprom ve Rus Dış Politikasına Etkileri, The Journal, titled Jeopolsar Uluslararası İlişkiler, May 2006

16.  VERIH Yelena; Vladimir Putin Podaril Kitayu Poltora Ostrova, Kiyevskiye Vedomosti, October 21, 2004

17.  Vremya Novosti; Idyom na Vastok, November 21, 2005

 Internet References 

1.    www.kremlin.ru

2.    www.mosnews.com

3.    www.rferl.org

4.    www.avsam.org

5.    www.kommersant.ru

6.    http://en.rian.ru/world/20070315/62068083.html

7.    www.inosmi.ru

8.    http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~chegeo/

9.    http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjdt/2649/t15771.htm

10.  http://en.wikipedia.org

11.  www.russiaprofile.org

12.  http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/hatoyama-medvedev-agree-to-aim-at-solving-territorial-row