[War] Russia/Japan: "The Summit"

[Michael Downey]

"The Summit"
President Leonid Nemerenko, Russian Federation
Prime Minister Hiroshi Sakai, Japan
26 Februaru, 2013
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There was a stark beauty to Russia even in the depths of winter Hiroshi
Sakai decided as his limousine was driven down the streets of Moscow in the
midst of a virtual army of security that occupied his route from the airport
like an invading army. He didn't doubt for a moment his own security people
were taking notes.

He on the other hand took note of the city. The stark contrasts of the grand
and ancient buildings of tsarist Russia abutting against blocky utilitarian
buildings as soviet as the hammer and scicle which in turn abutted against
modern buildings full of the promise of the Russia to come.

Hiroshi smiled. He liked Moscow, he decided. But then he liked on his last
visit even without noticing all the contrasts.

Reluctantly he turned his attention back to his notes.  Trade, the Kuril
Islands, and technical exchange, those were his priorities, his inner
tourist could wait.

He finished reading over his notes one last time before the limo pulled up
to the steps of the Kremlin and one of the Kremlin security men opened the
door. Passing his folder to Horokawa, he stood up dressed in a long warm
coat and scarf and waved to the assembled press before being lead by a
Deputy Foreign Minister to the President and his entourage.

"Prime Minister," greeted Nemerenko as Sakai and his group were led
into one of the more grand conference rooms of the Kremlin. The press
were allowed their small bit of picture taking before being ushered
out by the FSO. The Russian leader liked to conduct his high-level
meetings in secret. "Welcome to Moscow."

"Thank you," Hiroshi said. "I am glad today's route allowed for a better view
of the city than last time. Moscow is truly a place of contrasts."

He sat down across from the Russian president with Horokawa his aide
standing behind him. "Well, I suppose we should get started," he said. "If
there is no objections I'd like to discuss trade first?"

"Trade," said Nemerenko with a nod. "To begin, I am very interested in
the proposal from your government to drop tariffs on Russian oil,
lumber and minerals in exchange for us lifting all tariffs on
automobiles, steel and consumer electronics. This is a very generous
proposal on Japan's part, and I should have no problem having the
Federal Assembly pass the need bill."

"That's good to hear, and it is very generous on yours as well," Hiroshi
said. Japan needed those resources and were willing to give the Russians
free access to the Japanese market to do so.  "I suppose the next area is
technology exchange, we are interested in facilitating the partnership
between Russian and Japanese business in the area of developing and
disseminating green technology mainly replacements for oil and coal burning
power plants, as well we would be willing to share technology on military
matters as well."

Military technology? That peaked Nemerenko's interests. The JSDF was a
respectable military force, if somewhat lacking in power projection.
If the Professor was willing to enter into a military exchange
relationship with Russia, it could be very beneficial. It could also
irk the Americans, who were protective of their arms markets, not to
mention irritate the Chinese, who to this day did not trust Japan.

"What did you have in mind for such a military exchange?"

"As you know, Japan has recently developed a number of remote controlled
combat vehicles, for reconnaissance and air and ground attack, we would be
willing either sell these units to your directly or work with Russian
companies to develop similar models, in exchange we would like Russian help
in developing a Japanese made missile family that with minimal modification
be used from the ground, air and sea."

That seemed rather reasonable. Russia would likely just buy such
equipment straight for Japan; it would be faster and cheaper than
developing it on their own, and the Japanese did have superior robotic
and computerized technology than Russia or anyone else did.

"I take it you are referring to conventional missiles?" asked
Nemerenko. He had no objections over giving Russian missile technology
to the Japanese, save for ICBMs. That club was already too big.

Hiroshi nodded. "Of course," he said. "Japan has no desire to go nuclear or
possess even conventional weapons of that range, but what we do want is the
ability to adequately defend our islands and be able to launch a
counter-strike against invasion forces from the maximum possible range."

Fair enough, but that still presented problems. Namely, the Chinese
had nowhere near forgiven the Japanese for the events of the Second
World War. It was likely that Beijing would see such a sale as hostile
intent upon the part of the Japanese and hold Russia responsible.

Nemerenko of course knew Japan was as likely to attack China again as
it was to bomb Pearl Harbor a second time. He had the advantage of a
view of the Japanese as a non-belligerent to East
Asia.

"I can agree to such a proposal," replied Nemerenko. Really, it was
more the Professor's problem of the Chinese became paranoid than his.
With so much of the PLA occupied in North Korea, the Russians were
feeling much more secure on their Siberian border.

Hiroshi nodded. "Then let us get to the central issue between our nations,
the Kuril Island, I think we can agree neither of our nation's positions has
changed much since the last time have they?" he asked.

"Not entirely," said Nemerenko. "I can offer you the islands of
Shikotan and Habomais in exchange for your recognition for the rest of
the islands belonging to Russia."

To say Hiroshi was surprised by the development was an understatement. He
had expected the same old song and dance not a genuine offer. Hiroshi nodded
thoughtfully Japan had offered this exchange before and while in his and
many Japanese' eyes the Russian occupation of those islands were illegal,
the country of tired of fighting over it. He made his choice.

"I am willing to agree to that," Hiroshi said with finality. "

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" posed Nemerenko.

There was not. The state visit of the Prime Minister was concluded
after a few more PR photo ops and joint speeches about the
normalization of relations over the Kuril Islands, the benefits of
economic and military exchange, etc. All in all it was a very positive
summit for both parties.
---

Actions:
1) Russia and Japan agree to free trade on oil, lumber, minerals,
consumer electronics, cars and automotive parts.
2) Create joint development initiative on alternative energy
3) Russia will help Japan develop missile systems to defend the
Japanese home islands in exchange for Japan assisting Russia in the
development of remote controlled combat and scout vehicles.
4) Finally settle the dispute over the Kuril Islands, with Russia
ceding Shikotan and Habomais back to Japan and retaining ownership
over the rest of the islands.