Russia Calls for Expanded Military Exercises in Asia to Counter U.S. Influence
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu called for expanded joint military exercises among Russia and its allies in Asia, citing a direct threat from the United States’ attempts to increase its security influence in the region. Speaking at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana, Shoigu emphasized the need to counter the deployment of US military infrastructure in the region, which he deemed unacceptable and a threat to stability.
Shoigu urged SCO member states to broaden the scope and geography of their military exercises to strengthen their defense capabilities in the face of external pressures. His remarks underscored Russia’s determination to bolster military ties in Asia and maintain its influence in the region, despite ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
The Defence Minister also criticized the US-led QUAD and AUKUS blocs for attempting to reshape the security landscape in the Pacific to their advantage, while highlighting the threat posed by radical terrorist groups in Afghanistan. He accused the United States of seeking to regain influence in Central Asia following the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan in 2021.
Shoigu’s speech comes at a time of heightened scrutiny, with one of his deputies recently arrested in a bribery scandal. He reiterated Russia’s claims that Ukraine was behind a recent terrorist attack near Moscow, despite denials from Kyiv and Washington. Additionally, Shoigu accused foreign advisers of aiding Ukraine in planning sabotage activities on Russian soil and using Western weapons to target Russian civilian infrastructure.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, Shoigu’s call for increased military cooperation among SCO members reflects Russia’s efforts to counter external threats and maintain its strategic interests in Asia.
