Yes could also give the impression of Russian power which is important when countries decide to throw their lot in with the US or Russia eg countries in Russian periphery, middle east or even Pacific - note Fiji's flirtations with China and Russia and increasing Chinese and Russian interest in Pacific Islands eg increased Chinese trade and aid. This is relevant for us as Pacific Islands are staging posts for bridging distance to Oz if hostilities were to breakout between China and/or Russia and US and allies in the Pacific - unlikely but we have thrown our lot in with US and need to prepare for worst.
