Russian planning before the Russo-Japanese War

Rozhestvensky warned about Port Arthur's weaknesses and urged preparation of another base, including exercises in its surroundings. The Far Eastern command resisted alternatives and manoeuvres partly because of the risks of blockade and provoking Japan. One staff assessment argued that a decisive victory should deprive Japan of its navy, while Rozhestvensky proposed the more limited naval requirement of parity. Equal strength could prevent Japan from gaining control of the sea while the Russian army pursued the annexation of Korea. He also regarded that naval balance as necessary after annexation and concluded that war with Japan offered Russia no advantage.