Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA

The Russian Federation once looked to their "common European home" in the early 1990s and they adopted a pro-Western approach.  However, the new leader of the Russian Federation, President Medvedev, will first visit Kazakhstan and then China.  Of course of greater significance is the visit to China because the new leader is clearly indicating that the Russian Federation is now looking eastwards.  So are we about to witness "a new Russian Federation" which belongs to both Asia and Europe?

The previous leader of the Russian Federation and now acting Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, created a base whereby this nation awoke from a nightmare ten years.  By the end of his leadership it was apparent that this nation was once more emerging from the shadows and a new vibrant nation was spreading her influence in many directions.  Therefore, the new leader was left a great legacy and of course continuity appears to be happening because of the influence of Vladimir Putin.

Under the leadership of Putin it was clear that he viewed both China and India with vital importance, alongside developing strong relations with Germany.  Therefore, major powers like America or other members of the European Union were relegated and the same also applies to Japan.  Given this, it is apparent that President Medvedev is also looking eastwards and China fully understands the respect being given to them and this should cement relations even more.

More important, this is not an empty gesture because it appears that both China and the Russian Federation are going their own way with regards to the influence of America.  After all, Japan is once more looking fragile because of the current situation in America with regards to her economy but the same does not apply to either China or the Russian Federation.  This can clearly be seen by the projected economic growth of 10% for China in 2008 and 7% for the Russian Federation.  So it is clear that both nations have mutual interests in many areas.

Therefore, the new awakened Russian Federation is looking eastwardsbecause of economic incentives, geopolitical reasons, military sales, and other factors.  This, therefore, signifies a major shift within the body politic of the Russian Federation and of course within the newt 20 years this nation hopes to supply at least 30% of all energy to Northeast Asian nations.  So now we are seeing a new challenge in Asia from an old power which died but now appears to be on the way back?

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA