What's happened
Southeast Asian nations, particularly Thailand and Malaysia, are moving closer to China and Russia, raising concerns in Japan. Their applications to join Brics signal a potential shift in regional alliances, as geopolitical tensions escalate over the South China Sea and broader international dynamics.
What's behind the headline?
Geopolitical Implications
- Shifting Alliances: Thailand and Malaysia's applications to Brics indicate a strategic pivot towards China and Russia, potentially altering the balance of power in Southeast Asia.
- Economic Motivations: Both nations seek economic advantages, with Thailand focusing on its automotive industry and Malaysia on semiconductors.
Regional Reactions
- Japan's Concerns: Japan is likely to enhance its engagement with these nations to counterbalance China's influence, similar to its recent strategies with Vietnam.
- ASEAN's Fragmentation: The East Asia Summit's inability to adopt a consensus statement reflects deepening divides within ASEAN, complicating regional unity.
Future Outlook
- Potential for Conflict: The growing Sino-Russian solidarity may challenge ASEAN's neutrality, leading to increased tensions in the South China Sea.
- Hedging Strategies: Nations like Thailand and Malaysia may adopt a hedging approach, balancing relations with both Western and Eastern powers to maximize benefits.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post highlights Japan's concerns over Southeast Asian nations leaning towards China and Russia, with analysts noting the strategic motivations behind Thailand and Malaysia's Brics applications. Go Ito from Meiji University emphasizes the historical ties and economic aspirations driving this shift. Meanwhile, the East Asia Summit's recent failure to adopt a consensus statement, as reported by The Guardian, underscores the growing divide between Western and Eastern blocs, with Russia and China blocking language related to the South China Sea. This reflects a significant geopolitical shift, as noted by Alexander Vuving, indicating a potential erosion of ASEAN's unity. The Moscow Times further elaborates on Russia's perspective, criticizing Western attempts to politicize regional discussions, which could exacerbate tensions in the region.
How we got here
Thailand and Malaysia have applied to join Brics, a bloc increasingly influenced by China and Russia. This shift comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and a perceived need for economic benefits from these alliances.
Go deeper
- What are the implications for ASEAN unity?
- How will Japan respond to this shift?
- What economic benefits do Thailand and Malaysia expect?
Common question
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Why are Southeast Asian nations moving closer to China and Russia?
Southeast Asia is witnessing a significant geopolitical shift as nations like Thailand and Malaysia seek closer ties with China and Russia. This movement raises questions about the implications for regional stability, economic partnerships, and the balance of power in the South China Sea. Below, we explore the motivations behind this shift and its potential consequences.
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What are the latest major trials and global conflicts in the news?
In today's fast-paced world, staying updated on major trials and global conflicts is crucial. From high-profile legal battles to escalating international tensions, understanding these events can help us grasp their implications on society and global relations. Below are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into these pressing issues.
More on these topics
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten countries in Southeast Asia, which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational, and soci
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The East Asia Summit is a regional forum held annually by leaders of, initially, 16 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian and Oceanian regions, based on the ASEAN Plus Six mechanism.
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The South China Sea is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean. It is bounded in the north by the shores of South China, in the west by the Indochinese Peninsula, in the east by the islands of Taiwan and northwestern Philippines, and in the south by B
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
