Russia’s military activity has Japan fearing a dual-front war

AI Summary

Japan is increasingly concerned about Russia’s military activities near its northern border, conducting troop deployments to prepare for a potential dual-front conflict. These moves reflect Tokyo's strategic efforts to maintain strong defense capabilities against a possible threat from Russia while monitoring tensions with China.

Japan’s call to maintain “impeccable” defences on its northern frontier reflects Tokyo’s deepening concern over growing Russian military activity in the region, analysts say. They also point to rapid north-south troop deployment exercises as preparation against a potential “diversionary operation” around Hokkaido: a scenario in which Russia could open a second front if Japan were already focused on a crisis with China in the south. During a visit to military bases in Hokkaido on Saturday,...