Because of US pressure, Japan had to put sanctions on Russia. Japan shouldn't have :/ Even Turkey didn't put any sanctions on Russia. Turkey-Turkic countries, Russia and Japan make good combo.
We had to, bro. Realistically and on the ground, Japan is developing greater and wider partnerships with Russia. We even conducted naval exercises this year, which would be one of the first times we did this as it was conducted near the Sea of Okhotsk, deep inside the Russian Far East.
These sanctions on Russia are limited; as they target officials in Crimea, which to us, is infinitesimal because the majority of the $30 Billion bilateral trade between Russia and Japan focuses on Japan's energy imports from Russia's Far East, as well as Japanese sales of industrial material to Moscow and in the core republics that make up the Russian Federation.
Russia is a viable energy partner; it is rich and abundant in natural resources and securing Russian collaboration will help us with energy dependency. This will prove vital as we reorient and re-start our nuclear reactors next fiscal year. In addition, Russia has always been a potent competitor throughout our history, and having this competitor at working relationship is preferable for us.
Lastly, Japan has now secured Collective Self Defense, we've retained a collaborative relationship with Russia (economic and a developing military cooperation), and at the same time we've retained and secured America's confidence.
It's a win win situation for us.
After 2014 SCO Sino-Russia military drill in China Inner Mongolia, and Sept.25 Russia hundred fighters joint "Eastern - 2014" exercise in kamchatka peninsula.
Good to see collaboration between Russia and China. We, too, are collaborating with the Russian Pacific Fleet and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force's 4th Escort Fleet. For political reasons, it is not heralded as openly. You understand why.
