In recent years, the turn to the East, or pivot to Asia, has b | Valdai Discussion Club

In recent years, the turn to the East, or pivot to Asia, has been one of the most popular topics in the Russian political and media discourse.

Assessments of this process vary: some consider it a long-overdue necessity and a chance for Russia to increase its competitiveness in the 21st century. Others think this project is a product of Moscow policymakers and does not take into account the real needs of Russians residing in the Asian parts of the country.

Asia’s changing role and its importance in terms of Russia's development are recognised and reflected at the highest level. In 2012, in his election article, “’Russia and the Changing World’ Vladimir Putin wrote about catching the “Chinese wind” in the “sails” of the Russian economy. The eternal question of Russian identity, “who are we?” was overshadowed by a new imperative: “to be closer to Asia to be competitive in the 21st century”. As we will see below, this has not put an end to the discussion of identity.

Russia’s turn to the East is built up from two components: the establishment of increasingly deeper and more active relations with the countries of East Asia and the development of the eastern regions of the country during this process, writes Anton Bespalov, valdaiclub.com Deputy Editor-in-Chief.

We will discuss this and other issues within the framework of the Eastern Economic Forum. The Valdai Club session, titled “Global Challenges and Opportunities for the Far East and the Arctic”, will take place on September 2, at 10:00 AM Vladivostok time (GMT+10).

https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/russia-s-turn-to-the-east-expectations-and-the-rea/

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