Diplomacy?

This is coolbert:

More Russian flotilla stuff from MARCO POLO through Harry:

"The Russian flotilla is headed up by the Slava-class guided missile cruiser Varyag -- the flag ship of the Russian Pacific Fleet -- and includes Udaloy-class guided missile destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov, a fleet oiler and an ocean tug.

This is an ongoing story!

 "Russian naval vessels have previously been deployed in conjunction with major international summits, such as the APEC meeting in Singapore in 2009.  A warship from Russia's Pacific Fleet also accompanied former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev's visit to San Francisco in 2010."

. . . .

"Two Australian warships -- Anzac-class frigates HMAS Stuart (FF-153) and HMAS Paramatta -- have been shadowing the Russian flotilla."

Australian P-3 ORION also shadowing every move of the Russian ships I might assume.

The Russians have a big time BEEF with the Aussies? Who would have thought? Also think of the Russian as a PACIFIC power.

NAVAL deployments of major warships a demonstration of strength. The battleship of yore not only a combat vessel but also on occasion functioning as a diplomatic outpost, lavishly equipped staterooms hosting dignitaries and potentates for negotiations. From a conversation with an acknowledged military authority:

"Aircraft carriers fill the role the battleships of old used to: just the sight of one coming into your harbor reminded you of how powerful the party was with whom you were negotiating--and perhaps how weak your position really was."

Thank you MARCO and Harry both!

coolbert.