Russia’s defense banks on oil and gas exports

While some analysts dismiss such talk of rebuilding a Soviet-type force with global reach as nationalistic bluster ahead of parliamentary elections in Russia later this year and a presidential poll in 2008, Moscow’s plans for a stronger navy appear serious. They will have repercussions in Asia, not least in China where debate in high-level political and military circles over whether to go for aircraft carriers — the most visible and impressive form of maritime power projection — has been underway for some years.

JakartaPost