Russia’s Views on the East Sea and Some Recommendations for Vietnam

Abstract

The East Sea, located on the arterial sea route connecting the Indo-Pacifi c Ocean, has a special geo-strategic position. Currently, territorial disputes in the East Sea are becoming a serious security challenge in Southeast Asia, dividing ASEAN countries and attracting many other countries including Russia to participate. Apart from the two main players, the US and China, the emergence of Russia has become significant on the political chessboard related to the East Sea as it has cooperative relations with both China and Vietnam - the two countries involved in the East Sea conflicts. The article clarifies Russia’s views on disputes in the East Sea, and provides some suggestions for Vietnam.

(Received 22 February 2022; published 25 March 2022)