Why Japan decided to closer Russia ?

Recently, Japan and Russia have held a joint conference between foreign and defense ministers to discuss over international security and bilateral cooperation as well as plan to hold joint military exercise to combat terrorism and piracy. The diplomatic defense talks is considered as the first time for both states after the leaders of these two states have agreed to resume the peace talks that aimed at settling the long standing -territorial depute in April. Historically, the territorial depute over four Islands such as Kunashiri, Etorofu,, Shikotan , and the rocky Habomai islets between the two nations has remained unsolved since 1956 after Japan and Soviet Union made joint declaration to restore their diplomatic ties. Currently, the relations between the two nations have been eventually strengthened. During the term of the Japanese Prime minister Shinzo Abe, he has tried to cool down the tension with Russia, and he is the first Japanese prime who has made an official visit to Moscow. Generally, there would have some reasons that motivate Japan to mover closer Russia recently although Japan is known as the closed-ally of United States.

First of all, Japan is really concerned about the rapid rise of the Chinese influence over Asia Pacific region especially the tension over island deputes between the two nations. Actually, China has perpetually increased its military and economic influences across the world especially in East and South East Asia.The tension over the deputed Senkaku island between the two state has just risen after Japan conducted the massive military exercises involving 34,000 troops, navy destroyers, jet fighters and amphibious assault vehicles.

Second, Japan might seek for the return of the deputed islands from Russia. As I have mentioned above, the islands were taken by Soviet Union after the end of the world war II while those four islands had been given to Japan since 1885 according to Treaty of Shimoda. The Japanese government believe that if the relationship between the two become closer, the depute will be settled easily and peacefully.

Third, Russia might be a good neighbor for Japan. Geographically, Russia is bordering with Japan and it is really important for Japan to have good relationship with its neighboring country Russia. Actually, both Japan and Russia have been trying to strengthen their relations in term of economic and military cooperation. Furthermore, they can also get reciprocal interests from its close relations. For example, Russian leaders are seeking for the funds to develop the Western regions of its country, while Japanese government seeing Russia as the potential place for the Japanese investors.

Fourth, Japan is acknowledging Russia as the key player in the Pacific Ocean region besides China and U.S. Moreover, Japan believes that if its relationship and cooperation with Russia become better, it will be very important for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

However, the relations between Japan and Russia still remain fragile since U.S has planned to deploy its Global Hawk UAVs to Japan at the beginning of 2014. And in 2017 the Marines will begin the deployment of F-35Bs to Japan. The deployment of U.S missile defense system is causing the grave concern for Russia, and it also discourages the Russian intention to strengthen its relations with Japan.