Russia is back and it's a little bit betterRussian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, and Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing prior to their talks in Moscow. AFPMake no mistake, Russia is back in Southeast Asia, the region where its former empire reigned during the Cold War. Today Russia is determined to break US-led sanctions and further integrate its economy with the region's economic dynamics. In Jakarta, Mr Lavrov reiterated that Russia sees Asean as a strategic, reliable and predictable ally in international affairs. In a broader strategic context, Russia can use its closer ties with Myanmar to counter the US hardline approach, creating some breathing room for the regime.

Source: Bangkok Post July 12, 2021 23:42 UTC