By Robert Farley
Flashpoints‘ Robert Farley outlines five trends to follow in the Asia-Pacific in 2015.
As 2014 begins to recede from memory, here are some situations we can expect to develop over the next year:
- We may get some clarity on what to expect from Russia in East Asia over the course of the next year. Russia ended 2014 on a low note, isolated from the international community and struggling with a collapsing economy. Moscow has attempted to recoup some of its losses by developing more significant energy and trade relations with China, and 2015 should give us a better sense of Beijing’s receptivity to these overtures. At the same time, Russia’s intention to sell more military equipment to regional rivals like Vietnam may strain relations with China.
- The F-35 continues to struggle, with the latest reports indicating significant problems with its targeting systems. 2015 should give us a better handle on the JSFs export prospects in the Asia-Pacific, as South Korea and Japan still have the opportunity to make key decisions on the plane’s future.
Read the full story at The Diplomat