By then, Sakhalin was already part of Russia and Manchuria was under Russia's sphere of influence in China. I mentioned earlier that France, Germany, and Russia diplomatically pressured Japan out of occupying the Liadong Peninsula in the Triple Intervention. The Russians wanted to complete the Trans-Siberian Railway and they also wanted Port Arthur for warm water. So it's entirely possible that Russia had ambitions further south in China, Korea, and in the Pacific.Without a strong Japan there is no need for Russia to send its battleships to the Pacific. I expect Vladivostok or Port Arthur to have a protected cruiser or two plus some gunboats. Britain doesn’t need Japan’s help on that score.
I also mentioned that Britain and Russia competed for influence in Afghanistan and Persia during The Great Game. Britain and Japan were both threatened by German and Russian aggression. By forming an alliance with Japan, it took Russian attention away from Afghanistan and Persia.
Last edited: