Analysis Of Contemporary Russia-asean Relations

After the cold war, Russia's comprehensive strength reduced greatly, the influence in the world also dropped suddenly, nearly degenerating into"second class"countries. The failure of "leaning to the west" policy made Russia start to carefully examine its own diplomatic direction. In order to regain the great nation status, Russia employed "the double eagle"diplomatic policy, and started to take seriously with the Asian and Pacific area cooperation. Meanwhile, ASEAN has developed to be a powerful international organization in the Asian and Pacific area. Therefore, Russia started to pay more and more attention to develop relations with ASEAN, hoping that with the aid of Association of Southeast Asian Nations' strength it can restore its influence in the Asian and Pacific area and become great power in the future. ASEAN has devoted to maintaining regional peace and stability, and the implement "balance policy among great powers". On Asian and Pacific area international political stage after Cold War, China , USA and Japan are three great powers which have occupied the dominant position. In order to keep balance among these great powers and promote regional multi-polarization, ASEAN also hoped to strengthen the political relations with Russia. In addition, it is also very important for Russia and ASEAN to develop cooperation in the economical and the security area.With the will of getting close, the bilateral cooperation between Russia and ASEAN is developing quickly in many aspects: In political area, Russia and the ASEAN countries maintain close exchanges, and carries on exchanges under the ASEAN Area Forum mechanism; In the economic area, Russia and ASEAN have signed a series of trade agreements. In order to promote a bilateral economic cooperation, they have established ASEAN --Russia United Cooperation Committee, ASEAN--Russian Commercial and Industrialist federation, ASEAN-Moscow Committee, Joint Program Management Committee and Russian– ASEAN dialogue Partner Finance Fund and so on. In 2005 the Russian– ASEAN Summit symbolized that the bilateral cooperation has achieved a new altitude. Though there have been many difficulties, the relations between Russian and ASEAN is maintaining a good development momentum. But there are some negative factors which will hinder further cooperation between them. Whether both sides could overcome the obstacles and make further development, it still needs to be observed for a long time.