Following a two-day visit to Hanoi by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, moscow has voiced concerns about emerging security arrangements in the East, characterizing them as potential challenges to both Russian and ASEAN interests. The remarks signal heightened anxieties within the Kremlin regarding growing Western influence in the Indo-Pacific region [[1]]. as Russia seeks to maintain its strategic partnerships, the visit included discussions on bolstering defense cooperation and combating transnational crime with Vietnamese officials [[2]], [[3]].
Moscow has expressed concern over the emergence of what it describes as nascent security blocs in the East, warning they could escalate tensions and pose threats to both Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The comments come as Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu concluded a two-day visit to Vietnam.
Speaking to journalists, Shoigu characterized these developing groups as “embryos of NATO in the East,” or “small forms,” suggesting they are being formed with the intention of countering Russian influence.
“These embryos are not created for something, but against someone,” Shoigu said, emphasizing the need to understand the intended targets and bolster the integrity of ASEAN.
Russia, according to the official, prioritizes a strong, unified ASEAN. “We are primarily interested in ASEAN-centricity, in order to preserve the organization in its current form and maintain mutual contacts, meetings of leaders responsible for national security issues. We would, of course, like to continue this,” TASS reported, citing the Russian official.
Shoigu’s delegation arrived in Hanoi on Tuesday for discussions encompassing a broad range of bilateral and multilateral issues.
The Russian Security Council press service stated that talks would cover coordination on the global stage, including within frameworks like the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), ASEAN, and BRICS, as well as regional security, military and defense cooperation, trade, economic ties, and collaboration in science and technology.
Russian and Vietnamese representatives also reportedly engaged in detailed discussions regarding joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and extremism, including cooperation between financial intelligence units, interior ministries, justice ministries, and national guards.
The remarks from Moscow highlight growing Russian anxieties about expanding Western influence in Asia and the potential for new security alignments in the region. As geopolitical competition intensifies, Russia is actively seeking to strengthen ties with key partners like Vietnam.
