What's happened
On February 27, 2025, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss enhancing defense ties. This follows Shoigu's earlier visit to Indonesia, where he engaged in talks to deepen military cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Implications
- Geopolitical Landscape: The meetings signify Russia's intent to solidify its influence in Southeast Asia, a region increasingly caught in the crossfire of US-China rivalry.
- Military Cooperation: Both Malaysia and Indonesia are looking to enhance their defense capabilities, with Indonesia's new president prioritizing military modernization.
- Economic Interests: Despite past sanctions, Indonesia continues to engage in significant trade with Russia, indicating a complex relationship that balances economic needs with geopolitical realities.
Future Outlook
- Increased Engagement: As Russia seeks to deepen ties, expect more military collaborations and joint exercises in the region.
- Regional Stability: The outcomes of these discussions could impact regional security dynamics, particularly in relation to US interests in Southeast Asia.
What the papers say
According to Bloomberg, Shoigu's discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim focused on enhancing security and defense ties, reflecting Russia's broader strategy to engage with Southeast Asian nations. The Moscow Times highlights Indonesia's neutral foreign policy, which has allowed it to maintain relations with Russia despite international tensions. The Independent notes that Shoigu's visit is part of a larger effort to deepen defense partnerships in the region, particularly following Indonesia's recent admission to the BRICS bloc.
How we got here
The recent engagements between Russia and Southeast Asian nations, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, reflect a strategic shift as these countries seek to navigate the growing competition between the US and China. Indonesia's neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict has allowed it to maintain relations with Russia.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Russia's ties with Indonesia?
- How does this affect US interests in the region?
- What military collaborations are expected between Russia and Southeast Asia?
Common question
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What Are the Key Outcomes of Russia and Indonesia's Defense Talks?
On February 25, 2025, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with Indonesian officials to discuss enhancing defense cooperation. This meeting is pivotal for understanding the evolving dynamics of regional security and the implications for Indonesia's foreign policy. Here are some common questions surrounding this significant event.
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What Recent Developments Are Shaping Russia's Influence in Southeast Asia?
As Russia seeks to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia, recent meetings between Russian officials and leaders from Malaysia and Indonesia highlight a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics. This page explores the latest developments in Russia's defense ties with these nations and what it means for the region's future.
More on these topics
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Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu is a Russian politician and General of the Army who has served as Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation and as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Defense of the CIS since 2012.
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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
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Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is an Indonesian politician, businessman and former Army lieutenant General who is the currently-appointed Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia.
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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i
