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Roundtable

Asian powers’ response to the war in Ukraine

A roundtable discussion on China, India and Japan’s views on the conflict

Add to calendar 2022-05-30 15:00 2022-05-30 16:30 Europe/Rome Asian powers’ response to the war in Ukraine Online Zoom link will be sent upon registration YYYY-MM-DD
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When

30 May 2022

15:00 - 16:30 CEST

Where

Online

Zoom link will be sent upon registration

Has Russia’s war in Ukraine elicited substantial policy shifts among major Asian players? This roundtable discussion brings three perceptive observers of China, India and Japan’s international relations to address this question.

Has Russia’s war in Ukraine elicited substantial policy shifts among major Asian players? This roundtable discussion brings three perceptive observers of China, India and Japan’s international relations to address this question. Beijing has tried to muddle through on Ukraine. In talks with Kyiv, it has expressed that 'China’s basic attitude on the Ukraine issue is to promote peace talks.' On the other hand, China continues to reiterate the close relationship with Moscow and blaming NATO for neglecting Russia’s 'security interests'. Beijing also expresses the desire for 'pragmatic cooperation' with the EU while calling on it to be 'diplomatically independent' (i.e. from the U.S.). The muddling through is not working, as Xi Jinping appears to be lost in time, caught in the conflict logic of the Cold War and blind to the paradigm shift that is taking place in Europe. 

Paradoxically, New Delhi’s position somewhat resembles that of one of its main rivals, China. India’s hefty dependence on Russia for arms amidst prolonged conflict with a militarily mightier China, inadequacies in terms of meeting its own energy requirements, paired with its historically stable and trusted relationship with Russia, means that it is unviable for India to strain relations with Moscow. Until it has achieved self-sufficiency, or at least devised viable alternative channels for trade (especially in arms), nothing will change in the short-term. India will act to protect its own national interests, Western (and Japanese) pressure and inducements notwithstanding.

Finally, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has significantly changed Japan's geopolitical landscape. Tokyo has imposed tough sanctions on Russia in line with the United States and Europe. Russia categorised Japan as an 'unfriendly' country and suspended Japan-Russia negotiations for a peace treaty. The Russian military is expanding its exercises and patrols near Japan, and tensions are rising. This means that Japan is now forced to address three security challenges (China, Russia and North Korea) simultaneously. This is the first time that Japan has to deal with this difficult geopolitical environment since the end of the Cold War. This change will have deep implications for Japan's security strategy.

This event will be recorded.

Speaker(s):

Marina Rudyak (Heidelberg University and Goethe University Frankfurt)

Harsh Pant (King’s College London and ORF)

Akita Hiroyuki (Nihon Keizai Shinbun)

Contact(s):

Mia Saugman

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