“To contain Russia and China, the United States is significantly increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening its political and military links with its allies, continuing to create a new American security architecture in this region,” Shoigu said, according to Reuters.

Russia and Japan have a long history of military confrontation, beginning in the late 16th century when Tsar Ivan IV sought to expand Russia’s borders. After three separate wars, large parts of Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands were annexed by Russia in 1875. Since then, tensions between the two nations have remained high over their contested ownership of these islands.

Japan has asserted its ownership over the four southern Kuril Islands, which Soviet forces took control of in the aftermath of World War II. However, Japan cannot claim Paramushir, an island among the northern Kuril Islands

In recent years, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have developed an informal alliance that has been seen as a challenge to US influence in the region. The partnership seeks to increase economic cooperation while simultaneously countering US-led initiatives such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement and strengthening security ties across Asia-Pacific. By establishing a closer partnership between Russia and China, both nations hope to limit the United States influence in the region and strengthen their own geopolitical standing.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made an unexpected journey to Ukraine in an apparent effort to outshine Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Russia. As a close ally of the US and a major Chinese adversary in East Asia, the move has caught the attention of many observers.

In order to counter Russia and China, the US is beefing up its presence in the Asia-Pacific area, solidifying its political and military connections with its partners, and constructing a new security framework in the region, Shoigu stated in a video of his speech to the high command of Russia that the Ministry of Defense notes.

For Minister of Defense Shoigu, the Bastion system would enhance the protection of the Kuril Islands chain for Russia.

Russia’s decision to fortify its eastern territories is part of this larger effort to counter US hegemony in the Asia-Pacific while reinforcing economic ties between Moscow and Beijing. With rising tensions between Russia and Japan over disputed islands, it will be interesting to see how these two nations navigate their complex foreign policy relationship as they continue to jockey for political power in the region.

Military Upgrades

Over the past year, Russia has equipped its armed forces in the east of the country with approximately 400 pieces of up-to-date weaponry, including Su-57 fighter jets and anti-aircraft missile systems, according to Shoigu.

He mentioned that the eastern military district had witnessed a considerable enhancement in its military power.

“This year we will complete the modernization of the anti-missile defense systems of the city of Moscow,” Shoigu said in an address to military officials, according to Agence France-Presse.

The military upgrades are part of the government’s effort to ensure the security and stability of the country. This move is meant to protect Russia from external threats, especially in light of increased tensions in neighboring countries. The modernization efforts also aim to strengthen ties with other countries through defense cooperation.

The upgrades will give Russia a technological edge over its opponents and better prepare it for potential conflicts. It will also allow the Russian armed forces to have more control over their borders, which can prevent incursions by any hostile actor. These new weapons systems can also deter potential adversaries and provide a defensive layer against potential attacks. Inevitably, this will bolster national security and help maintain peace in the region. Ultimately, the military upgrades are a necessary and important step toward protecting all people in Russia.

Moscow is still blaming the Ukrainian government for a series of drone assaults that have transpired in their land since the start of the armed conflict in Ukraine.

Minister of Defense Shoigu reported that since Russia’s designated “special military operation” began in Ukraine, their aerospace forces have demolished more than 20,000 Ukrainian military installations.