Senior Russian security official opposes attempts to create 'eastern NATO' in Asia

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergey Shoygu said on Friday that attempts to create an "eastern NATO" contradict the established system of stability and security in the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

Speaking at a meeting with President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith in the capital Vientiane, Shoygu said Western countries are trying to impose their militaristic vision in Asia.

"Attempts to create various kinds of new architectures, or, to be more precise, an eastern NATO, cannot satisfy us and contradict the spirit that has been established in the region," Shoygu said.

According to him, discussions with the leadership of Laos covered "issues related to the active militarization of the region -- Japan, Taiwan, Philippines."

"Once again, we reiterate that we fully support the ASEAN-centric model and security architecture, which has been established for a long time and has demonstrated its viability and efficiency," he said.