From Laos, Russia Warns Against US-Driven “Eastern NATO” in Asia-Pacific
Shoigu affirms Moscow’s support for ASEAN-centered security, condemns US-driven militarization across the region
Laos, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu held high-level talks in the Laotian capital Vientiane with President Thongloun Sisoulith, addressing the trajectory of bilateral relations and escalating security challenges across the Asia-Pacific region.
During the meeting, Shoigu issued a sharp warning against attempts to construct what he described as an “Eastern NATO”, stressing that such US-led bloc formations directly undermine the existing regional security architecture and pose a serious threat to long-term stability.
Moscow Condemns Militarization Driven by Washington and Its Allies
Shoigu voiced Moscow’s deep concern over the accelerating militarization of Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, noting that these developments are being actively fueled by the United States as part of its broader containment strategy against independent regional powers.
He emphasized that this aggressive posture only exacerbates tensions, destabilizes Asia-Pacific security, and risks dragging the region into confrontation to serve Western geopolitical interests.
Russia Backs ASEAN-Centered Security Model
Reaffirming Russia’s strategic vision, Shoigu stressed Moscow’s firm support for the ASEAN centrality model, describing it as the most effective, sustainable, and legitimate framework for maintaining regional peace without foreign domination or military blocs.
He underlined that Russia rejects externally imposed security arrangements designed to serve US hegemony rather than the genuine interests of Asia-Pacific nations.
Expanding Russia–Laos Strategic Cooperation
Shoigu conveyed the personal greetings of President Vladimir Putin to President Sisoulith and reiterated Russia’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Laos across multiple strategic sectors, including:
Political coordination
Economic development
Peaceful nuclear cooperation
Education and academic exchange
Military and technical collaboration
He emphasized that Moscow views Laos as a sovereign partner, not a subordinate client — in stark contrast to Washington’s coercive alliance model.
Putin Awards President Sisoulith Order of Alexander Nevsky
In a move symbolizing the depth of bilateral ties, Shoigu, on behalf of President Putin, awarded President Thongloun Sisoulith the prestigious Order of Alexander Nevsky in recognition of his “significant contribution to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Russia and Laos.”
Shoigu highlighted that Sisoulith’s formative years studying in the Soviet Union stand as a living testament to the enduring historical bonds between the two nations.
Laos Reaffirms Loyalty to Strategic Partnership with Russia
For his part, President Sisoulith expressed profound gratitude for Russia’s historic and consistent support for Laos, reaffirming that his country will remain a “reliable friend” to Moscow.
He stressed Laos’ firm commitment to further developing bilateral relations in all fields, based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and resistance to external pressure. (PW)