Editor's note: Duan Junze is a research assistant at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. The artilce reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
Russian President Vladimir Putin started his visit to Singapore on November 13, and also participated in the 3rd ASEAN-Russia Summit as well as the 13th East Asia Summit (EAS) on November 14 and 15 respectively.
Putin has made two breakthroughs during his trip. It is the first time for him to pay a visit to Singapore and the first time for a Russian president to attend EAS since Russia was taken as a participating member in 2010 together with the US.
Previously, Putin chose to take part in the APEC Economic Leaders' Week, but this year, Russian Prime Minister Medvedev has confirmed that he will show up in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, where the APEC Leaders' meeting will take place.
This change means that Russia aims to strengthen its relations with ASEAN countries on political and economic terms.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attend a meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Summit in Singapore, November 14, 2018. /VCG Photo
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Singapore. Putin held a meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and also met with other national leaders in the region.
Russia regards ASEAN countries as important partners. First of all, in the respect to politics, the relationship between Russia and ASEAN has important strategic significance for Russia's Asian policy.
On the one hand, it helps to maintain and consolidate Russia's influence in the region. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union paid great attention to Southeast Asia so as to maintain its position in global politics.
Russia established diplomatic relations with ASEAN countries five months before the collapse of the Soviet Union, and in 1996 it upgraded to a comprehensive dialogue partnership. Since then, although Russia's voice on Southeast Asian affairs has been weakened compared with the Soviet Union period, it has still maintained its presence in Southeast Asia.
In addition, strengthening relations with ASEAN countries is an important part of Russia's “pivot to the East” diplomatic strategy. Relations between Russia and the West have deteriorated rapidly since the Ukrainian Crisis and have not yet fundamentally improved. Russia has therefore proposed diplomatic policy focusing on the East and advocates the establishment of Greater Eurasian Partnership.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi are seen after delivering a joint statement after their delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, October 5, 2018. /VCG Photo
Russia's policy of pivot to the East not only includes stronger emphasis on relations with China, but also includes relations with Northeast Asia, South Asia and of course Southeast Asia. The policy is a strategy that tends to enhance the status of Russia's Asia-Pacific diplomacy.
So Russia is actively developing its strategic partnership with ASEAN and also strengthening cooperation under the framework of ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union, which is led by Russia.
Furthermore, it's good for Russia to balance major power relations. The United States, China, India as well as Japan also maintain good relations with ASEAN due to the important role of Southeast Asia in the world. Close relations between Russia and ASEAN will help strengthen the voice of Russia in international affairs.
Economic cooperation is another vital concern. Russia hopes to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations with ASEAN. From 2010 to 2014, the growth of bilateral trade was much slower than expected. After 2014, Russia's economic growth has been weak and its investment in ASEAN countries was significantly reduced, which has imposed negative effects on bilateral economic ties.
Shipping containers sit on the dockside as a vessel sails by at the Commercial Port of Vladivostok in Vladivostok, Russia, September 9, 2018. /VCG Photo
Putin's visit to Singapore and participation in a series of meetings there demonstrate his hope in changing this situation and initiating bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
According to Russian media, during Putin's visit, the Direct Investment Fund of Russia plans to sign a series of agreements and contracts worth about 1.1 billion US dollars with Southeast Asian countries. Russia also intends to discuss the possibility of establishing a cooperation mechanism between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union.
From the view of Russia, the Free Trade Agreement between the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union and Vietnam signed in May 2015 is an excellent example.
Besides, the economic cooperation with ASEAN countries will help to make up for the losses caused by western economic sanctions, and also to reduce the possible economic isolation that the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) might bring.
(Cover Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (5th from L) and leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations wave for a group photo in Singapore on November 14, 2018. /VCG Photo)
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com)