Russia’s Bid for a Larger Asian Role; Will Be Closely Watched by Beijing

Instead, it only needs to become an useful partner in areas where regional states feel exposed, and this is where Russia’s strategic opening lies. Energy as Immediate OpeningEnergy is now Russia’s most important window of opportunity in Southeast Asia. For decades, Southeast Asian countries have depended heavily on access to Middle Eastern crude and secure global maritime routes. Russia’s Wider Indo-Pacific RepositioningRussia’s renewed push toward Southeast Asia should also be seen through the lens of its Far East strategy. Defence has traditionally been Russia’s strongest anchor in Southeast Asia, especially through ties with Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.