The late fall and early winter was a quiet period for Russian diplomacy in Asia and analysis after the busier period from September to mid-November. Optimism about Sino-Russian relations was less pronounced than in recent years, but it is still present, while pessimism failed to gain much momentum. The 2016 interest in Japan faded without warnings about poorer relations or much reflection. Triangular analysis inclusive of Trump is unavoidable, while South Korea is drawing closer attention. Idealism about the Greater Eurasian region is falling, and concerns about Russo-Indian relations in the context of the triangle with China have been intensifying. There are signs of attention to growing problems but no clarity about new policies that address them, such as the difficulty in attracting investment into the Russian Far East.

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