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@article{ART002488021},
author={Kato Mihoko},
title={“Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018)},
journal={중앙사론},
issn={1229-3652},
year={2019},
number={49},
pages={115-154}

TY - JOUR
AU - Kato Mihoko
TI - “Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018)
JO - 중앙사론
PY - 2019
VL - null
IS - 49
PB - Institute for Historical Studies at Chung-Ang University
SP - 115
EP - 154
SN - 1229-3652
AB - Russia’s “Turn to the East” has received increased international attention in the wake of prolonged, US- and EU-lead economic sanctions against Russia following its annexation of Crimea. However, it soon became clear that major Asia-Pacific countries either chose to not participate in the sanctions regime (e.g. China, India, South Korea) or were reluctant to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia (e.g. Japan). Despite the sanctions it appears that Russia had gained room to maneuver by strengthening its bilateral cooperation with China and countries in the region. However, under Vladimir Putin’s third presidency (May 2012 – May 2018), Russia has decided to cooperate with China and side with China on several regional and global issues. Neorealist theory dictates that this is a rational choice – it is better for Russia to align with an emerging global power in the interests of forming a global balance-of-power than it is for Russia to try and align itself with traditional allies of the United States. While this choice may balance power in the international system, it may also increase tensions among countries in the Asia-Pacific region as the region becomes economically integrated. This paper examines why Russia gives priority to strengthening its bilateral relationship with Xi Jinping’s China rather than pursue more diverse regional relationships following the annexation of Crimea in two stages. First, it assesses the role of Northeast Asian countries in Russia’s “Turn to the East” and shows how Russia’s behavior is constrained in this regard by the international system, including regional disputes over North Korean nuclear proliferation, territorial disputes with Japan, and broader issues with the United States. Second, it examines Southeast Asia’s role in Russian foreign policy by focusing on tension and confrontation between China and Vietnam, which are both strategic partners of Putin’s Russia. This paper argues that, as a hedge against the potential uncertainties of the Russo-Chinese partnership, Russia still aims to maximize its presence in this region by utilizing its military capabilities rather than by diversifying its economic and political relationships.
KW - Russia;Turn to the East;Sinocentrism;Japan;Korean Peninsula;Vietnam
DO -
UR -
ER -

Kato Mihoko. (2019). “Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018). 중앙사론, 49, 115-154.

Kato Mihoko. 2019, "“Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018)", 중앙사론, no.49, pp.115-154.

Kato Mihoko "“Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018)" 중앙사론 49 pp.115-154 (2019) : 115.

Kato Mihoko. “Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018). 2019; 49 : 115-154.

Kato Mihoko. "“Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018)" 중앙사론 no.49(2019) : 115-154.

Kato Mihoko. “Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018). 중앙사론, 49, 115-154.

Kato Mihoko. “Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018). 중앙사론. 2019; 49 115-154.

Kato Mihoko. “Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018). 2019; 49 : 115-154.

Kato Mihoko. "“Sinocentrism” in Russia’s Reorientation to the East: Re-examining Russian foreign policy under the third Putin administration (2012-2018)" 중앙사론 no.49(2019) : 115-154.