VIENTIANE, Laos: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned the United States’ actions in Asia, labeling them “destructive” during an East Asia Summit in Laos.
He accused Washington of leading a militarization effort in Japan and fostering anti-Russian and anti-Chinese sentiment among Asian nations. Lavrov criticized Japan’s push for a NATO-like defence pact in Asia, warning that such military blocs pose significant risks of escalating confrontations in the region.
He argued that the US is pressuring Japan into adopting more militarized policies, thereby destabilizing the region.
Lavrov also expressed concern over the final statement at the summit, accusing Western countries like the US, Japan, and South Korea of trying to politicize it against the interests of Russia and China. The Russian diplomat claimed that Western nations are using their relationships with ASEAN members to advance geopolitical strategies targeting both Moscow and Beijing, further aggravating regional tensions.
Lavrov’s remarks reflect growing concerns over the intensification of US alliances in Asia, which Moscow and Beijing perceive as a direct challenge to their influence. As the rivalry between global powers deepens, Lavrov’s statements highlight the rising geopolitical stakes in the region.
