Retaliation does not wait overnight — this is Putin's style! Just as Takahashi Hayana had joyfully hosted the Japan + Central Asian States Summit, she hadn't even tasted the benefits of that summit when Putin had already proposed that leaders of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states hold a traditional informal meeting in St. Petersburg on December 22nd. In reality, Russia would certainly retaliate against Takahashi's attempt to sow discord! On one hand, Japan has been digging into Russia's most intimate "corner," and it's not in Putin's nature to remain indifferent. On the other hand, the agreements reached between Japan and the five Central Asian countries directly affect Russia's business interests, something Putin simply cannot tolerate.

Takahashi Hayana never expected that, just after she had proudly hosted the Japan-Central Asia Summit, she would be hit with an unexpected setback by Putin, who struck swiftly and decisively.

The summit was meticulously prepared by Takahashi Hayana. She had full confidence that, with Japan's economic strength and diplomatic skills, she could successfully strengthen relations with the five Central Asian countries, inserting Japan's foot into Russia's traditional sphere of influence and stealing its "corner."

At the summit, Takahashi Hayana smiled warmly, chatting and laughing with the leaders of Central Asian countries, signing one agreement after another, as if she already saw Japan's influence soaring in Central Asia and Russia being pushed aside.

But reality gave her a harsh slap. While Takahashi Hayana was still basking in the "victory" of the summit, pondering how much benefit these agreements would bring, Russia announced that Putin had proposed a traditional informal meeting for CIS member state leaders in St. Petersburg on December 22. This news exploded like a bomb in the international political arena.

This seemingly ordinary meeting proposal concealed deeper implications. The five Central Asian countries are Russia's traditional sphere of influence, with deep-seated connections in economic, political, and security fields over many years. Japan's attempt to break this long-standing balance through a single summit was nothing short of a fantasy. Putin's move effectively shattered Japan's small plans.

Why did Russia react so quickly and strongly? The reason is clear. Japan's actions were like lighting a fire in Russia's backyard. For Russia, Central Asia is not only a crucial region in terms of geopolitics but also a key partner in economic cooperation.

The agreements between Japan and the five Central Asian countries involve areas such as energy and trade, which clearly threaten Russia's business interests. For example, in the energy sector, Central Asia has abundant oil and natural gas resources, with Russia being a major export route and partner.

Japan wants to insert itself, offering technology and funding to cooperate with Central Asian countries on energy projects and establish new transport routes, directly threatening Russia's dominant position in the region. Putin, known for his strong stance, would not sit idly by in the face of such provocation.

Moreover, from a diplomatic perspective, Japan's behavior sends an unfriendly signal. In international relations, every country has its own sphere of influence and interests. By forcefully making its presence felt in Central Asia, Japan is challenging Russia's boundaries.

Putin knows that if he does not retaliate promptly, it will not only damage Russia's influence in Central Asia but also encourage others to follow suit, making Russia's situation on the international stage even more difficult.

Looking at the informal meeting of CIS leaders proposed by Putin, we see that CIS countries have deep historical ties and close real-world connections with Russia, sharing common interests in politics, economy, and security.

Through this meeting, Russia can further strengthen unity and cooperation with CIS countries, consolidating its leadership in the region and jointly facing external challenges.

For Japan, the "achievements" of this summit may now be significantly undermined. Originally hoping to elevate its international standing through cooperation with the five Central Asian countries, Japan instead invited a strong Russian retaliation. Going forward, Japan's actions in Central Asia will face many restrictions, and whether the signed agreements will be implemented smoothly remains highly questionable.

In the grand stage of international politics, there are no eternal friends or enemies, only eternal interests. Japan's attempt to change the regional landscape through small moves and gain unjustified benefits will ultimately backfire. Putin's swift retaliation once again demonstrates his decisiveness and wisdom.

It's unknown what Takahashi Hayana is thinking now, or how Japan will respond to this situation. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852198979227721/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone.