Russia to Hold Large-Scale Naval Exercises

The Russian Pacific Navy began large scale military exercises on August 18 y in its Far Eastern waters. Invitations to participate were sent to several of Russia's neighbors as well as to Canada and the United States. South Korea and Japan dispatched ships to join the exercise, but China, North Korea, and the US declined. The official aim of the navy maneuvers is to hone skills for fighting terrorism, fending off pirates, and protecting biological resources like fish. Given the nuclear tensions in the region over North Korea's controversial weapons program, however, Russia's primary aim may be to fully display its military might. This objective would explain why Russian officials have been so adamant that neighboring states - particularly North Korea - observe the exercises. - YaleGlobal