Russia, China and the West: what is all means for the Asia Pacific
Steven Covington, Strategic and International Affairs Advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO

Much has been written – and said – about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its potential impact on China’s approach to Taiwan. But as NATO and its allies harden their stance against Russia’s actions, another risk comes into sharp focus for Asia: Russia’s status as a transcontinental power. The Russian Far East is a 6.9 million kilometre region bordering China, North Korea and Mongolia, with maritime boundaries with Japan and the US. Incorporating the major cities of Khabarovsk and Vladivostok, the region has historically been a base for Russia to project power in the Indo Pacific – first during the Russo-Japanese War and later in WWII. In this discussion we’ll be joined by a senior NATO official who will discuss Russia’s interests in Asia, and the implications for large global businesses with significant operations in the region. Stephen Covington is Strategic and International Affairs Advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR). As the civilian member of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Command Group and Allied Command Operations senior civilian adviser, Stephen is responsible for strategic assessments of international security and defence affairs, and developing political-military strategic recommendations, having served 11 SACEURS over the course of 30 years at SHAPE. His experience with Russia is wide-ranging, including representing NATO in many years of interactions with the Russian General Staff and Ministry of Defence.

Luncheon will be served.