The APEC summit in Vladivostok (8–9 September) was expected to confirm Russia’s ambitions
to play a more significant role in the Asia-Pacific region (particularly in East Asia) and balance
Moscow’s foreign policy by shifting some of its focus from Europe to Asia. The measures taken
ahead of the summit included both the implementation of economic projects in Russia’s
Far East and greater diplomatic engagement in the region. The summit itself, however, was
less effective than expected. Russia failed to define its place in the Asia-Pacific order, and did
not propose any new political or economic initiatives that would go beyond the discussions
that have already been held within APEC for years, including plans for a free trade area
