Japan, Russia seen deepening ties to counter China's influence

Tokyo

A NEW geopolitical calculus appears to be taking shape in Northeast and Central Asia which could change the balance of power and the pattern of alliances among nations in the region, according to some experts who see the current Japan-Russia rapprochement as key to this process.

In parallel with the new "Great Game" being played out among North-east Asian powers for influence in Central Asia, Japan and Russia are looking to cement their relationship in order to counter China's fast developing power projection across and beyond the region.

If those such as Shinji Hyodo, director of regional studies at Japan's National Institute for Defence Studies, are correct, the fort…