By Invitation

Doors are open for Russia to play major role in Asia

But will Moscow seize opportunity presented by changing power dynamics in the region?

ST ILLUSTRATION : MANNY FRANCISCO
C. Raja Mohan
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In travelling to Singapore to elevate the Russian engagement with Asia, President Vladimir Putin was walking through an open door. Unlike Europe, where the resentment against Russia has been resurgent, and America, where Moscow is trapped in the civil war between the Republicans and Democrats, Asia is more than eager to deepen ties with Moscow.

The reasons are many and varied, but the timing has never been better in a long while. For Singapore and Asean, the hope is that Mr Putin's visit will begin to reduce the gap between the full potential and the reality of the relations between Russia and South-east Asia.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 17, 2018, with the headline Doors are open for Russia to play major role in Asia. Subscribe