gazella0701

This article argues that **Russia is Japan's true nemesis**, and its pressure on Japan helps China avoid a two-front confrontation. While the U.S. has controlled Japan militarily since WWII and now uses it as a pawn against China, Japan opportunistically builds military strength to achieve normalization. However, Japan deeply fears Russia due to historical trauma (Soviet defeat of the Kwantung Army), hard power disparity, and Russia's military control over disputed Northern Territories. When Japan sanctioned Russia over Ukraine, Moscow's swift retaliation demonstrated its uncompromising stance. This deterrent prevents Japan from fully committing to U.S. containment strategy, allowing China to focus on U.S. competition. The U.S.-Japan alliance is transactional and unequal. Ultimately, Russia's overwhelming power and historical leverage invisibly balance the region.