Russia Deploys More Missile Systems to the North Pacific
The Russian Defense Ministry said on March 22 that it would deploy a division of its Bastion mobile coastal defense missile system to the Kuril Islands, parts of which are claimed by both Russia and Japan.
To contain Russia and China, the United States is significantly increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, strengthening its political and military links with its allies, continuing to create a new American security architecture in this region.
—Sergei Shoigu, Russian defense minister
Russian flyover: One day earlier, Russia flew two strategic bombers over the Sea of Japan for seven hours. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the flyover was over neutral waters in complete accordance with international law. The two Tu-95 bombers were escorted by Su-30 and Su-35 fighter jets.
Nonlethal pledge: The flyover occurred the same day Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a surprise visit to Kyiv to show solidarity with Ukraine. During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kishida said Japan would give Ukraine $30 million for nonlethal equipment, such as helmets.
Changing sides: Japan has been vocal in its support for Ukraine and has expressed disapproval of Russia’s war against the nation. At present, Japan is responding to rising global tensions by drawing nearer to its treaty ally the United States. But Bible prophecy says Japan will eventually break from America and side with Russia. This might result from Japan believing it stands no chance against Russia.
Any dominance Japan now seeks in the Eastern Hemisphere must be done via alliances and treaties. … Watch for the East Asian alliances to develop economically and militarily. Watch for coming agreements between Russia, China, Japan, South Korea and others to harness the maverick North Korea and muscle the U.S. out of Oriental diplomacy in Korea and Taiwan.
—Gerald Flurry, Trumpet editor in chief
Learn more: Read our Trends article “Why the Trumpet Watches Japan’s March Toward Militarism” and “Japan’s Place in the Future,” Chapter 5 in our booklet Russia and China in Prophecy.
