ABSTRACT
Since the mid-nineteenth century the vast expanse of Russia has loomed menacingly above one or both of the two modern-day powers of Northeast Asia, China and Japan. Moscow’s weight has been felt not only in bilateral relations, but also through direct or indirect efforts to reconfigure the entire region. Its role, even today, should not be overlooked for at least four reasons. One, it has remained a principal neighbour of both countries: occupying with lingering controversy the longest land border with China and part or all of the islands closest to Japan, Sakhalin and the Kuriles.1 Two, its forward presence for over a century has shaped Japan-China relations as part of a triangular pattern, and it continues to have the potential to influence ties.2
