Russia's Worries About New Alliances in Asia

Russia is concerned about new military alliances forming in Asia. Sergei Shoigu, who used to be Russia's defense minister and is now the head of Russia's Security Council, recently visited Vietnam. He spoke to reporters about his concerns. He said that small groups similar to NATO are starting to form in the Asia-Pacific region. These groups, which he called "embryos of NATO in the East, " could pose a threat to Russia and other countries in the ASEAN. Shoigu did not name specific countries, but he mentioned groups like AUKUS, the Indo-Pacific Four, SQUAD, and JAPHUS. These groups involve countries like the U. S. , Australia, Japan, and others. Russia is worried that these alliances could grow and become more like NATO. Russia wants to keep its current relationship with ASEAN. They do not want these new alliances to interfere with their ties to the region. Shoigu's comments are part of a larger Russian narrative that NATO is expanding and posing a threat to Russia. Russia is also concerned about NATO's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region. They believe that NATO is trying to extend its reach to contain China and isolate Russia. This is a concern that has been expressed by other Russian officials as well. Shoigu's comments are not just about warning other countries. They are also a call for closer security ties between Russia and ASEAN. Russia wants to make sure that ASEAN countries do not side with NATO.