Russia Says West Seeks to Weaken ASEAN as Shoigu Advances Security Push After Myanmar Vote

Overview

• Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu told TASS that Western actors are trying to destabilize ASEAN by targeting Myanmar and eroding the bloc’s unity.
• Shoigu cited ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus as the roadmap he believes can help members manage differences over Myanmar.
• He said Russia will keep building an ASEAN-centric security framework through annual high-representatives’ consultations, with a related event scheduled in the Moscow Region on May 26–29.
• Following his working visit, Shoigu said Myanmar’s authorities seek close cooperation with Russia, while TASS reported the USDP won a parliamentary majority in elections conducted in three stages across 265 of 330 districts.
• Russia’s Security Council said Shoigu arrived in Myanmar on February 2 for talks on security, defense industry and broader economic ties with senior leaders.