Russia, China and Southeast Asia to boost ties

Russia should strengthen its ties with Southeast Asia and China and boost unilateral and bilateral cooperation, experts said on Monday.

Russia should work hard to cooperate with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said Dmitry Mosiakov, an expert from the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences at a video meeting held by the Russian Information Agency.

As the United States shifts its strategic emphasis to Asia-Pacific, Russia is also returning to the region but its presence should not bring problems to Asia, said Mosiakov.

Russia should try to better understand Southeast Asia and China. Russia and ASEAN members should cooperate to maintain the interests of the region within unilateral frameworks, he said.

Wang Wei, an expert on international affairs with the China Institute of International Studies said ASEAN members can provide the market, China can provide investment and Russia can provide advanced equipment for the three parties to work together.

The financial market in China, Russia and Southeast Asia is relatively stable compared with the US and Europe, so the three parties can work together in the financial sector, said Wang.

Ekaterina Koldunova, an expert on Southeast Asian studies with MGIMO University said Russia could be valuable to ASEAN members as it boasts sophisticated technology industries including nuclear power, renewable energy, transportation and biosciences.

The discussion came ahead of the 19th ASEAN Regional Forum in Cambodia, as ASEAN countries are coming to the forefront to the world stage with their rise as global economic and political players.