[CMB_polarization]

I have relatives in southern Siberia, near Lake Baikal. I’ll see what I can find out about this.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Here is an article in the NYT just three days ago.

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/07/03/where-do-borders-need-to-be-redrawn/why-china-will-reclaim-siberia

Here is an opposing viewpoint, from a year ago.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/markadomanis/2014/05/27/the-chinese-invasion-of-siberia-is-a-myth/

However, the truth is less important than what the Russians *think* the truth is. Russians can be very xenophobic, especially when it comes to the possibility of an invasion by East Asians. (This nervousness can even be seen in the old propaganda movie Alexander Nevsky.)

Russia never permitted major roads or rail lines in the European track gauge in their western region. Passengers had to disembark from European trains to use Russian trains. Likewise, Russia never allowed major highways to be built in the west, that could make it easier for an invader. All xenophobic behavior.