The commitment made by China’s Foreign Minister and Russia’s Foreign Minister during the ASEAN Meeting in Laos in July 2024 to address the presence of external forces in Southeast Asia serves as a testament to their strategic interests in the region.

It is essential, however, that all external powers, including China and Russia, refrain from introducing geopolitical conflicts into Southeast Asia to protect regional stability and sovereignty. This essay examines the implications of this commitment on the geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia and emphasizes the importance for all global powers to respect the region’s autonomy and abstain from external interference.

Southeast Asia has consistently been regarded as a region of great significance, both economically and geopolitically. Its strategic position along major maritime trade routes, abundance of natural resources, and rapidly growing markets have made it a focal point for global powers. Throughout history, the region has been influenced by colonial powers and, more recently, by major global actors such as the United States, China, and Russia. The recent pledge made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reinforces their nations’ dedication to the stability and security of the region, highlighting their roles as protectors of Southeast Asian interests.

This statement arrives at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly between the United States and China. Russia and China have both been expanding their influence in Southeast Asia through economic investments, military cooperation, and diplomatic engagements. For example, China has been actively engaging with Southeast Asian countries through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), consisting of significant infrastructure projects........

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