President Putin warns of neocolonialism and attempts to reshape relations in Asia-Pacific

Speaking at the 21st International Security Conference in Moscow, the Russian leader stated that “among other things, the United States seeks to reformat the system of interaction between developed countries in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Calls for developing so-called Indo-Pacific strategies “are essentially aimed at creating military-political associations controlled by Washington,” Mr Putin added.

Referring to the agreement reached at the end of 2021 between Washington, London and Canberra, President Putin emphasized: “We do not rule out the possibility that things are leading to a complete integration of NATO forces with the structures created by the AUKUS bloc.”

The Russian president mentioned the possibility of this combination as he warned about a “neo-colonialist West” led by Washington that is seeking to delay the formation of a multipolar world by destabilizing and fueling tensions in different regions of the world.

Mr. Putin commented: "Most countries are ready to protect their sovereignty and national interests, traditions, culture and way of life. New economic and political centers are being consolidated." At the same time, the leader noted that this trend can become an important basis for stable development and progress globally.

However, while this is happening, the head of state warned that “many old conflicts are being stirred up and new conflict points are being provoked” in different parts of the world.

The goal of those who carry this out, he asserted, is clear: “to continue to profit from human tragedies, to pit people against each other, to force countries to submit to neocolonial systems and to exploit their resources mercilessly.”

NATO member states continue to strengthen and modernize their strike capabilities, even seeking to expand military conflicts into the space and information spheres, using both military and non-military means, Putin added.

The Russian president noted that, although security challenges in each hot zone around the world have their own characteristics, "in reality, they are all created by geopolitical adventures, by selfish, neo-colonialist actions of the West."

Mr. Putin affirmed that Russia remains committed to minimizing confrontation at the global and regional levels, and continues to work to develop a multipolar world order, based on the priority of the norms and rules of international law, as well as on constructive cooperation and trust.