Russian presidential aide and chairman of the Maritime Board Nikolai Patrushev believes that US authorities are assigning Japan the role of NATO’s eastern branch to control the Asia-Pacific region.
The statement was made in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Patrushev noted that in recent years the US has ‘flooded’ the islands of Honshu and Okinawa with military bases.
‘Essentially, the country is assigned the role of NATO’s eastern branch,’ the Russian head of state’s aide said.
He also noted that the combat capability of the Japanese self-defence forces is being strengthened with US support.
Patrushev said Russia will develop the Pacific Fleet in response to the actions of the US and Japan in the region.
According to Patrushev, Japan is capable of independently producing nuclear weapons.