Russia, China, and Japan Develop Closer Relations

“Chinese and Russian forces conducted a first-ever joint amphibious exercise landing 400 marines on Russia’s Pacific Coast… The exercise marks not only the first time People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Russian Navy have drilled together in an amphibious exercise but also the first time China has landed troops on foreign territory” (USNI News, August 26, 2015). Another report states, “Russia and China staged a bold new series of military manoeuvres last month… running a five-day computer simulation of a joint response to a ballistic missile attack… the exercise… was highly significant because it indicated ‘a new level of trust’ between the two former adversaries… the ability to share information in such a sensitive area as missile launch warning systems and ballistic missile defence indicates something beyond simple co-operation” (Financial Times, June 24, 2016).  Russia is also rebuilding its war-torn relationship with Japan. They “have been in talks to fully mend bilateral relations and sign a peace treaty for decades... The next round of consultations on signing a peace treaty… will be held in Moscow on August 26” (TASS Russian News Agency, August 18, 2016).

End-time Bible prophecies describe a huge army from the East crossing the Euphrates and invading the region surrounding Jerusalem (Daniel 11:44; Revelation 9:13-18). The new agreements between Russia, China, and other Asian nations could lead to the fulfillment of these end-time prophecies. For more information, read our booklet Armageddon and Beyond.