Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, addressing the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, highlighted concerns over the West’s intention to expand its influence from the Ukraine conflict to the Asia-Pacific region.
As reported by Russia’s TASS news agency, Shoigu noted that while NATO expressed a desire for dialogue, their actions tell a different story.
Shoigu expressed concerns over NATO’s actions, suggesting an arms race due to their increased military presence and escalating scale of military exercises. He remarked on the US’s intent to use shared intelligence with Tokyo and Seoul to counter Russia and China. Furthermore, he criticized the US for seemingly using environmental issues as a pretext for potential interventions.
The Status of International Treaties and Agreements
The Defence Minister touched upon creating new security blocs, such as the Quad and AUKUS, stating their emergence weakens the position of ASEAN and hampers nuclear non-proliferation initiatives in the region. Despite Russia’s decision to retract its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Shoigu emphasized that this doesn’t signify the end of the agreement. He clarified that Russia aims to achieve balance with the US, which hasn’t ratified the treaty, and not to destroy it.
Lastly, regarding the Ukraine crisis, Shoigu expressed Russia’s readiness to discuss post-conflict resolutions with the West. However, he underscored the necessity for equal relations between all nuclear powers, especially those holding seats in the United Nations Security Council, for preserving global peace and stability.
