Russia is a huge country that spans eight time zones, stretching from the borders of Europe to the Pacific Ocean. For centuries it has grappled with its "Eurasian" identity, debating whether its national interest are best served by choosing between one half or the other or offering itself as a bridge between them.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia chose Europe, arguing that its future was best served by deeper integration with the West. The economic stagnation in Europe and the striking contrast with Asia's dynamism have pushed Moscow to reconsider.

Echoing U.S. President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin in September announced Russia's own "pivot" to Asia. Writing in the Wall Street Journal just before he hosted the annual leaders summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) in early September, Mr. Putin noted that "Russia has long been an intrinsic part of the Asian-Pacific region."