ASEAN Eyes Cybersecurity Deal with Russia
On a blistering August morning in 2018, Southeast Asian countries were buzzing about a potential cyber‑security pact with Russia—yes, the same nation the U.S. has been calling for the double‑dealt that tried to stir up the 2016 election. The numbers are high-spirited: all ten members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are slated to sign off on a draft statement that could shake hands (or maybe a better term, tap their keyboards) with Russian foreign ministers.
What the Draft Looks Like
The draft, still a working title, is clocking up the words “co‑operation in cybersecurity” in a way that feels more like a friendly handshake than a hard‑fought treaty. And, as the draft says in a surprisingly upbeat tone, the title might change depending on the negotiating dance.
- ASEAN’s Role: All 10 foreign ministers will sign at the end of a meeting in Singapore.
- When: The statement will go public Saturday, August 4.
- Scope: It is a “joint agreement on cybersecurity” that could cover everything from data protection to threat response.
Why Singapore is in Hot Water
Singapore, the host city for this meeting, hasn’t exactly been a silky smooth ride lately. In early August, hackers swooped on a government health database and nabbed personal info (including that of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong) for roughly 1.5 million people. Think of it as the ultimate party crashers.
- Malaysia’s Close Call: Earlier this year, the country fended off an attempted cyber heist targeting its central bank.
- No Russia? No Microsoft?: Neither country has pinned the blame on a particular hacker or hinted at Russian involvement.
US, Facebook, and Political Shifts
The United States agency reports that a Russian propaganda arm allegedly tried to meddle in the 2016 presidential election by buying and posting ads on Facebook. Moscow hasn’t disputed or admitted to the role. Facebook, meanwhile, teased a fresh political influence campaign designed to sow confusion ahead of the upcoming U.S. congressional elections.
Russia’s Diplomatic Moves
- Last year, Russia appointed a dedicated ambassador to ASEAN, based in Jakarta.
- In March, senior ASEAN and Russian officials met in Jakarta for a wide-ranging discussion that touched on politics, security, and economics.
All this sets the stage for a unique partnership in cyberspace—a partnership that might sound like an awkward dance on the fresh floor of a 20th‑century ballroom but could actually clear some of the current headaches. Let’s hope for a successful handshake and not a stumble.
