Russia Accuses US of Fueling Geopolitical Tensions in Asia-Pacific
Shoigu stated that the US, in a bid to maintain its geopolitical and strategic dominance, is intentionally weakening the foundation of international security and stability.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (C) inspects the fulfilment of the state defence order at Tactical Missiles Corporation defence industry enterprise in Moscow, Russia on September 27, 2023. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a speech at the Xiangshan Forum in China on Monday October 30, Beijing’s paramount military diplomacy event, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu accused the United States and its Western allies of “exacerbating geopolitical tensions.”
Shoigu warned that the U.S.’s actions could lead to confrontations between major global powers.
Shoigu stated that the U.S., in a bid to maintain its geopolitical and strategic dominance, is intentionally weakening the foundation of international security and stability. He particularly emphasized the threat posed to Russia by NATO’s “eastward expansion.”
The defense minister also highlighted concerns about an increase in the military presence and the scale of military drills by NATO countries in the Asia-Pacific region. He alluded to a potential arms race, suggesting that U.S. forces may use data exchanges with allies like Tokyo and Seoul on missile launches as a deterrence strategy against Russia and China.
Three-day forum
The three-day forum, which also witnessed participation from dozens of countries, was opened by China’s second-ranking military official, Zhang Youxia, in the absence of Gen. Li Shangfu, China’s former defense minister. Zhang, without directly naming the U.S., criticized nations that provoke global disturbances and interfere in regional affairs.
“To maintain its geopolitical and strategic dominance, the United States is deliberately undermining the basis of international security and strategic stability,” Shoigu said.
Shoigu also spoke about the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing Russia’s willingness to negotiate under the right conditions. He urged for a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing the importance of equal relations among nuclear powers and members of the United Nations Security Council for global peace.
At the same juncture, he underscored that defense-related collaborations “adhere strictly to domestic laws and global regulations and aren’t aimed against third-party nations.”
Southeast Asia ties
Shoigu further highlighted that Russia has been actively working to bolster ties with the countries of Southeast Asia. Notably, most of these nations have refrained from imposing anti-Russian sanctions, even amidst intense persuasion from the U.S. and its affiliates.
China’s stance on the U.S. was evident when it suspended military communication in August 2022, following a visit by former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.
The international community keenly awaits responses from involved nations, and experts believe diplomatic dialogues will be pivotal in de-escalating the ongoing tensions.
Source: ABC News, Reuters and Business Insider.
