Denis Zlobin, Ivan Moldavanov and Alexandra Khiteva, members of the research and study group “ASEAN+, BRICS+, NATO+: Perspectives of Asian Integration in the New World Order” of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, presented a report at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Members of the research and study group “ASEAN+, BRICS+, NATO+: Prospects of Asian Integration in the New World Order” of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Alexandra Khiteva, Denis Zlobin and Ivan Moldavanov within the framework of the project “National and Regional Strategies and Institutions of Cybersecurity in East and Southeast Asia” took part in the All-Russian scientific conference “The Problem of Preserving ASEAN Unity and Prospects of Development of Asean-Centric Formats of Cooperation” held at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

On March 25, Study Group members Denis Zlobin, Ivan Moldavanov and Alexandra Khiteva presented a report on cybersecurity cooperation between the Philippines and Japan and the Republic of Korea. They discussed the dynamics of the partnership between these countries, the influence of foreign policy factors and the strategic importance of these interactions for the security architecture in the region.

Dmitry Mosyakov, Director of the Center for Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania, Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, emphasized the role of ASEAN as a key element in ensuring stability in the region. He also noted the complexities of the Philippines' foreign policy strategy, which has to balance between the United States and China. In particular, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is actively trying to develop diplomatic contacts with the new US President Donald Trump, but there is still no clarity in these bilateral relations.

The current issue of cyber security took an important place in the discussion. The report “The Philippines' Cooperation with Japan and the Republic of Korea in the Sphere of Cybersecurity at the Current Stage” was the only presentation directly devoted to this topic. Despite the absence of other specialized reports, the conference participants emphasized the growing importance of digital protection for ASEAN states, which demonstrates the need for further research on this issue.

The conference was an important platform for exchanging views and analyzing the key challenges facing the South-East Asian regions. The experts expressed confidence in the need to further explore ASEAN-centric mechanisms of cooperation in the sphere of security and international relations.