1 ISSUE: 2016 No. 59 ISSN 2335-6677 RESEARCHERS AT ISEAS – YUSOF ISHAK INSTITUTE ANALYSE CURRENT EVENTS Singapore | 26 October 2016 The Russia-China Strategic Alignment: Consequences for Southeast Asian Security Ian Storey* EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  Russia-China relations have strengthened considerably since 2012 as a result of Russia’s economic problems, a close personal bond between the two countries’ leaders and convergent views on international issues, particularly mutual concerns over US primacy.  Russia and China do not have—nor do they desire—a formal alliance. Instead they have forged a strategic alignment in which the two countries have agreed to increase cooperation and coordination in international affairs and support each other on issues affecting their core interests.  Due to the widening trust deficit in US-Russia and US-China relations, the Sino- Russian strategic alignment will likely strengthen over the next decade.  Closer relations between Russia and China have important consequences for Southeast Asian security, especially in the South China Sea where Moscow’s increasing diplomatic support for China’s position and the transfer of advanced military technology will enhance Beijing’s ability to advance its interests.  Stronger Sino-Russian relations are not in Vietnam’s interests and may lead Hanoi to diversify its defence ties in order to reduce its dependence on Russia. * Ian Storey is Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and Editor of Contemporary Southeast Asia.