ABSTRACT
This chapter examines fundamental geographical, historical and political factors and then discusses the main issues involved for the Soviet Union: the Sino-Soviet dispute, the Soviet relationship with Japan and the role of the United States in the area. The Soviets may also hope that in the longer term political trends in Japan might produce a more favourable attitude among young Japanese to Soviet aims and this might promote better relations with the Soviet Union. The development of communism in China from the 1920s to the 1940s, leading to the overthrow of the US-supported Nationalist regime in 1949, added a new dimension to the Sino–Soviet relationship. The Soviet Union has proved to be a determined supporter of Asian attitudes and policies. Throughout the period under review Soviet attitudes, aims and priorities in Asia have concentrated on the Soviet relationships with China, Japan and the United States, with secondary interests in Korea and south-east Asia, including Vietnam, Kampuchea and Laos.
