The Multipolar World Order (yes, it's coming)

[Ravenlocke]

From RT,

'Asia is where much of the story of the 21st century is gonna be written' — Rubio admits

'This is where two-thirds of the economic growth is gonna happen over the next 25 or 30 years'

https://x.com/RT_com/status/1943301673536934388

[Ravenlocke]

From the Borneo Post,
US laying groundwork for Trump’s possible visit to ASEAN Summit in KL this Oct, says Marco Rubio.
Would be first since Obama in 2015.
https://theborneopost.com/2025/07/10...ct-says-rubio/
https://x.com/theborneopost/status/1943317044264604048

“ASEAN nations may get better tariff rates than others,” says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in KL.
PM Anwar warns harsh tariffs could hurt regional growth, urges fair trade.
https://theborneopost.com/2025/07/10...s-trade-talks/

https://x.com/theborneopost/status/1943329520452538837

https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/0...s-trade-talks/

Rubio: Asian nations may get better tariff rates amid US trade talks
July 10, 2025, Thursday at 11:17 PM


KUALA LUMPUR (July 10): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that Asian nations might get “better” tariff rates than the rest of the world, as he attended Asean talks focused on Washington’s trade war.

Rubio’s visit to Malaysia came after US President Donald Trump threatened this week to impose punitive tariffs on more than 20 countries if they did not strike deals with Washington by August 1.

“I would say that when all is said and done, many of the countries in Southeast Asia are going to have tariff rates that are actually better than countries in other parts of the world,” Rubio said on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

“But these talks continue. There’ll be talks next week with Japan. There’s ongoing talks with virtually every country represented here.”

Trump said Monday that duties he had suspended in April would snap back — even more steeply — by the new deadline.

He has told more than 20 countries, many in Asia, they face tariffs ranging from 20 to 50 percent, and announced a 50 percent toll on copper imports and a possible 200 percent duty on pharmaceuticals.

Among those targeted were top trade partners Japan and South Korea, which could each be hit with 25 percent.

Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and Myanmar — all members of Asean — face duties ranging from 20 percent to 40 percent.

Vietnam, which is also an Asean member, is one of only two countries — Britain being the other — to have reached a tentative agreement with Trump.

The levels were not too far from those originally threatened in April, although some were notably lower this time.

‘Not going to walk away’

US officials said ahead of Rubio’s trip that Washington was “prioritising” its commitment to East and Southeast Asia.

In Malaysia, Rubio said the United States has “no intention of abandoning” the region.

“We’ve spent decades building these relationships,” Rubio told reporters.

“Not only we’re not going to walk away from them, we seek to expand them and build upon them with a part of the world that is essential.”

Rubio’s remarks followed a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov where the US diplomat expressed “disappointment and frustration” about the lack of progress on ending the war in Ukraine.

He also attended a post-ministerial conference, trilateral talks with the Philippines and Japan and met with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for talks on tariffs.

“Malaysia believes that such unilateral actions undermine free trade flows and could have a negative impact on regional economic growth, especially for trading nations like Malaysia,” Anwar said in a statement.

“I expressed my stance that the space for negotiations should remain open to ensure fair, equitable and non-oppressive trade outcomes for developing countries.”

Rubio said he might also meet with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, who is attending the Asean meeting.

The two largest economies remain locked in a range of disputes on issues from trade and fentanyl, to Taiwan and cutting-edge technology.

Without mentioning the United States, Wang on Thursday called for a “fairer and more reasonable” international order.

“At the same time, we are also confronted with challenges such as the impact of unilateral protectionism and the abuse of tariffs by a certain major country.” – AFP


https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/0...ct-says-rubio/

US laying diplomatic groundwork for Trump’s potential visit to Asean Summit in KL this Oct, says Rubio

July 10, 2025, Thursday at 10:26 PM

KUALA LUMPUR (July 10): The United States (US) is laying diplomatic groundwork for President Donald Trump’s potential appearance at the 47th Asean Summit in October.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US administration is currently working on finalising the date for Trump’s participation in the high-level meeting, which will be hosted in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are working on getting a date for that (Trump’s attendance), absolutely,” Rubio told reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday when asked whether it was possible for Trump to join regional leaders at the Asean Summit.

Rubio is in the Malaysian capital to attend Asean high-level meetings held in conjunction with the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM), hosted by Malaysia under its Asean Chairmanship for 2025.

The 13th Asean-US Summit will also be held in conjunction with the 47th Asean Summit in October.

The last US President to attend the Asean-US Summit in Kuala Lumpur was Barack Obama in November 2015. – Bernama

[Ravenlocke]

From Hindustani Times,

"The story of the next 50 years will be written here" — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlights the Indo-Pacific's key role at the ASEAN meet in Kuala Lumpur.

Watch 🔗▶️https://youtu.be/Df9_9hJuh4E?si=_NmMEunG4ar72G0N


https://x.com/htTweets/status/1943352865344610539

[Ravenlocke]

From the Borneo Post,

Anwar invites US President Trump to attend ASEAN & East Asia Summits in KL this October, via Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Talks also covered AI, defence & regional issues.

https://theborneopost.com/2025/07/10...ts-in-october/

https://x.com/theborneopost/status/1943308383240781942

https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/0...ts-in-october/

Anwar invites Trump to Asean-US, East Asia summits in October

July 10, 2025, Thursday at 9:52 PM

KUALA LUMPUR (July 10): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended an official invitation to United States (US) President Donald Trump to attend the Asean-US Summit and the East Asia Summit here in October.

The prime minister said the invitation was conveyed through US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who paid a courtesy call on Anwar today.

“Malaysia remains confident that the close cooperation with the US will not only strengthen bilateral relations, but also serve as a catalyst for stability, prosperity and peace in the Indo-Pacific region as a whole,” Anwar posted on Facebook today.

The approximately 40-minute meeting was held at the Parliament Building and marked Rubio’s first trip to Asia since assuming office earlier this year.

In addition, Anwar said the meeting also paved the way for broader cooperation in the fields of digital investment, artificial intelligence (AI), defence and education.

“We exchanged views regarding pressing regional issues, including the situations in Palestine, Ukraine and Myanmar,” said Anwar.

Rubio is here to attend a series of high-level meetings in conjunction with the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings being held under Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship for 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from July 8-11. – Bernama

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
✈️
@SecRubio
is traveling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — his first trip to Asia as Secretary of State.

He will reaffirm the United States’ commitment to advancing a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region at the
@ASEAN
-United States Post-Ministerial Conference, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

https://x.com/StateDept/status/1942975728544260470

[Ravenlocke]

Translated text:
Malaysia confirms full commitment as ASEAN-China Dialogue Coordinator

#BHNasional Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, said Malaysia also expressed appreciation for China's continued support and confidence in Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN Chair in 2025.

https://x.com/bharianmy/status/1943346196011192450

[Ravenlocke]

Translated text:
Russia-ASEAN cooperation strengthens stability in the Asia-Pacific region

https://x.com/bernamadotcom/status/1943351213963227300

[Ravenlocke]

From Free Malaysia Today,

Asean 2025 half-year recap: 5 turning points under Malaysia's chairmanship

https://x.com/fmtoday/status/1942140825686978759

[Ravenlocke]

From Reuters:
ASEAN foreign ministers hold dialogue with China, Japan, and South Korea

https://x.com/Reuters/status/1943239373392359637

[Ravenlocke]

As part of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN convened a series of Post-Ministerial Conferences with its Dialogue Partners, including
Australia,
Canada,
China,
India,
Japan,
New Zealand,
the Republic of Korea,
Russia,
and the United States.

These consultations reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to deepening dialogue and cooperation in support of regional peace and stability.

Stay informed with the latest development of the meeting:
http://asean.org
http://myasean2025.my

#58thAMMPMC

https://x.com/ASEAN/status/1943143142158717307

[Ravenlocke]

From Sputnik,

💲📉WHY THE DOLLAR'S REIGN AS A RESERVE CURRENCY IS ENDING

"The [US] dollar is just paper. It’s losing value, and gold is the real winner," James Bradley, an expert on China and author of Flags of our Fathers and The China Mirage, explains to Sputnik.

Bradley highlights that while the US prints dollars, central banks are stockpiling gold. The dollar’s weakness? It’s paper — its value is rapidly diminishing, and gold, once tied to it, is now the asset driving global change.

China and the BRICS nations are laying the groundwork for the yuan by tying it to gold, with the Shanghai Gold Exchange leading the charge. As nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia trade oil in yuan, this shift is undeniable.

"The yuan is being internationalized without a formal announcement, but gold is the secret weapon. This is a monumental shift in global finance."

https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/1943762219008737456

[Vicus]

Critical 3-Way Shift: Russia-North Korea Alliance Reshapes Asia-Pacific Security Amid Escalating Tensions

Russia and North Korea reinforce their alliance amid rising U.S. pressure in Asia-Pacific. Lavrov warns against militarization and affirms mutual defense under the Russia-North Korea alliance

Wonsan, North Korea, July 12, 2025 — Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that the Russia-North Korea alliance is essential for regional stability in the face of growing U.S. aggression and militarization in the Asia-Pacific. Speaking during a bilateral strategic dialogue in Wonsan, Lavrov warned against expanding military blocs like NATO into Asia and called for a new framework of mutual, non-aligned security.

The talks marked the second round of high-level diplomatic engagement between the two nations since the signing of their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in 2024. The meeting also included discussions on maritime cooperation, historical ties, and joint resistance to Western pressure.



This is the second strategic dialogue meeting between Russia and North Korea. The first took place in Moscow in January 2024. Photo: Sputnik

Lavrov Warns Against Militarization and Exclusive Alliances

Lavrov stressed the importance of building “reliable mechanisms for ensuring equal and indivisible security for all states,” based on non-aligned approaches. He criticized the formation of exclusive military alliances by external and regional actors, calling such moves “counterproductive and dangerous.”

He specifically warned the United States, South Korea, and Japan against exploiting their trilateral alliance to exert pressure on Russia and North Korea, noting that these actions only heighten regional instability rather than promote peace.

Recognition of North Korea’s Defensive Nuclear Posture

During the talks, Lavrov praised North Korea’s foresight in developing its nuclear deterrent well before recent attacks on Iran, suggesting that this has helped prevent direct military threats against Pyongyang despite rising tensions in the region.

“The DPRK’s nuclear program is defensive and deterrent in nature, developed by its own scientists. We respect their actions and understand why they pursue it,” Lavrov stated, reaffirming Russia’s support for North Korea’s sovereign right to self-defense.

Russia Committed to Preventing Regional Provocations

Lavrov reiterated that Russia will work to counter provocations from the U.S., Japan, and South Korea aimed at destabilizing the Korean Peninsula. During his meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, both sides agreed to resume maritime communication channels to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The Russian minister also highlighted the historical bond between the two nations, recalling North Korea’s contribution to the liberation of Kursk during World War II. He described the relationship as an “invincible brotherhood” rooted in shared values and resistance to foreign interference.

Geopolitical Implications of the Russia-North Korea Alliance

The 2024 strategic treaty between Russia and North Korea has solidified a political and military partnership aimed at countering U.S. dominance in the Asia-Pacific. Lavrov’s statements about NATO’s eastward expansion reflect broader concerns in Moscow over the increasing militarization of the region and the potential for conflict escalation.

Russia advocates for a new model of global governance based on sovereignty, peaceful cooperation, and balanced security — in contrast to what it describes as exclusionary Western alliances that fuel international tensions.

Conclusion: A Strategic Counterweight in Asia-Pacific

The Russia-North Korea alliance continues to evolve as a strategic bulwark against perceived U.S. aggression in Northeast Asia. At a time of heightened geopolitical volatility, Moscow is doubling down on its alliance with Pyongyang, promoting a regional security framework grounded in equality, non-alignment, and mutual defense.

As tensions rise across the Pacific, the deepening partnership between the two nations signals a shift in the balance of power — one that challenges existing Western-led alliances and offers an alternative vision for peace and stability in the region.

https://www.telesurenglish.net/russi...orea-alliance/

[Bill Ryan]

A tiny thing, but worth posting here in case it catches on (as it should! ).

In his video with Judge Napolitano yesterday, Pepe Escobar reported that Chinese delegates to the BRICS Summit in Rio proposed that the new global architecture should be called The Post-West Environment. Pepe and Napolitano both thought this was both accurate and inspired.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

🇨🇳🇷🇺 Lavrov and Wang Yi held informal talks without ties in a bamboo grove at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, strolling through the garden to a pavilion for tea. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers summit.

https://x.com/apocalypseos/status/1944588910660915215

Text:

China to host Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO Foreign Ministers summit in Tianjin on July 15, with top diplomats from 10 member states set to discuss regional and global issues.

https://x.com/Asyabulten/status/1944663444080234549

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacifi...isters/3629914

China to host Shanghai Cooperation Organization foreign ministers

China will host foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states on Tuesday, according to an official statement.

The meeting will take place in the city of Tianjin and is expected to be attended by the foreign ministers of Russia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, as well as the heads of the SCO’s permanent bodies.

"Parties will exchange views on SCO cooperation in various fields and major international and regional issues," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Beijing on Sunday, while other foreign ministers are expected to arrive on Monday.

Last month, China hosted the Defense Ministers' Meeting of the SCO member states in the eastern city of Qingdao. However, no joint statement was issued at the end, as Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the bloc's communique.

The SCO, established in 2001, is an inter-governmental organization comprising 10 member states – China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russia To Provide BRICS, SCO, & EAEU Members With Satellite Data For Farmland Management
https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russi...nd-management/
Roscosmos to share satellite imagery of agricultural regions with BRICS countries and friendly trade blocs to help with crop monitoring and productivity. #RussiaAgriculture #BRICS

https://x.com/RussiasPivot/status/1944796714139070614

[Ravenlocke]

Posting the following here but if it belongs elsewhere, Mods please remove, Thank you.

Text:

Russia to Establish Glonass Satellite Ground Station in Venezuela
https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russi...-in-venezuela/
Russia's Glonass (the equivalent to GPS) is setting up a ground station in Venezuela. Glonass is a free, alternative to GPS and gets around the sanctions problem of the United States potentially blocking GPS coverage over speciifc countries.#RussiaVenezuela #NavTech #SatelliteNavigation

https://x.com/RussiasPivot/status/1943686419945496805

https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russi...-in-venezuela/

Russia to Establish Glonass Satellite Ground Station in Venezuela

July 11, 2025 Exports, Infrastructure, Investment, Latin America, Logistics & Transport By Russia's Pivot to Asia
Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, has stated that a Glonass navigation satellite system has been commissioned in Venezuela. Dmitry Bakanov, Roscosmos CEO, said that “Today is a remarkable day for our space cooperation and for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. We are commissioning a ground station of the Glonass navigation satellite system. Glonass is a reliable alternative to other global navigation systems.”

Glonass, or “Global Navigation Satellite System”, is a Russian satellite navigation system designed to provide real-time navigation and timing services to an unlimited number of users on land, at sea, in the air, and in space. Glonass is the only system in the world that provides access to a civilian global positioning signal in two frequency bands, L1 and L2, to consumers worldwide free of charge. As a rule, Glonass and GPS are used simultaneously to increase the accuracy and speed of measurements, but in the event of an escalation in the international situation, the United States could shut down the GPS system over certain territories. Glonass allows Russia and other participating countries to be independent of GPS.

Glonass will facilitate navigation of land, sea, and air transport; help locate vehicles in emergencies; and enhance flight safety at the Caracas International Airport, as well as at mountain and remote unpaved airports in Venezuela, Bakanov said, adding that “The system will assist in conducting precision geodetic and topographic surveys of the earth’s surface, ensuring precision agriculture during field and harvesting work, and monitoring the condition of facilities in Venezuela’s oil and industrial sectors.” Roscosmos said that the station would enhance coordinate-time and accuracy characteristics of the Glonass system both in the Western Hemisphere and on an international basis.

Additionally, Russia and Venezuela discussed prospects for cooperating in the construction of satellites and ground-based space infrastructure, the application of space technologies, manned space exploration, and the training of personnel for the Venezuelan space industry.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russia and China to Jointly Produce Gas Turbines for Central Asia and the Middle East
https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russi...e-middle-east/
Another Russia-China joint venture - this one in gas turbines - is to be established, with an eye on the CIS and BRICS exports markets. These turbines have numerous applications including for aircraft engines. #GasTurbine #CentralAsiaEnergy

https://x.com/RussiasPivot/status/1943351849484193822

https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russi...e-middle-east/

Russia and China to Jointly Produce Gas Turbines for Central Asia and the Middle East
July 10, 2025 China, Foreign Investment, Trade By Russia's Pivot to Asia

Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) and China’s New JCM Group from Chengdu have signed an agreement to cooperate on the production, delivery, and servicing of gas turbine equipment, UEC stated on Tuesday (July 8). They said that “The Russian state corporation Rostec’s United Engine Corporation and Chinese company New JCM Group Company Ltd. have signed a strategic agreement on cooperation in the areas of production, delivery, and servicing of gas turbine equipment.”

The deal was signed at the 9th Russia-China Expo, currently taking place in Yekaterinburg. Gas turbines are versatile machines used in various applications, including power generation, aircraft propulsion, marine propulsion, and industrial processes. They can drive generators to produce electricity, propel aircraft and ships, and power equipment in factories and plants.

The two companies have agreed to supply UEC gas compressor units with the Chinese company’s equipment, with UEC saying, “The agreement provides for the possibility of localizing production of Chinese components at UEC Engineering production facilities, as well as organizing servicing and repair of gas turbine equipment, including overhauls of foreign-made gas turbines.”

The companies also discussed prospects for integrating Chinese gear units into Russian gas turbines.

Andrey Vorobyov, CEO of UEC Engineering, said: “UEC’s gas turbine equipment has earned recognition in the global energy market thanks to its reliability, efficiency, and adaptability to various operating conditions. The synergy of our advanced solutions with the best Chinese components creates unique opportunities for the development of a new generation of competitive gas turbine complexes. Developing a strategic partnership with Chinese industry leaders is an important step in creating innovative products for entry into the rapidly growing markets of Central Asia and the Middle East.”

Further Reading

China Increases Purchases of Russian Base Metals

[Ravenlocke]

Text:

Brazil, Russia and BRICS Trade Relations: July 2025 Update
https://russiaspivottoasia.com/brazi...y-2025-update/
The Brazilian and Russian Foreign Ministers meet in Rio at BRICS as bilateral trade hits US$12.4 billion and Brazil's exports to Russia double.

https://x.com/RussiasPivot/status/1942609576605671475

https://russiaspivottoasia.com/brazi...y-2025-update/

Brazil, Russia and BRICS Trade Relations: July 2025 Update
July 8, 2025 Brazil, Energy, Exports, Imports, Investment, Latin America, Trade By Russia's Pivot to Asia


The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, met with Mauro Vieira, the Foreign Minister Brazil on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil is a founding member of BRICS and the host country of this year’s event.

During their conversation, Lavrov and Viera discussed upcoming Russian-Brazilian dialogue, and coordinated their actions in key areas of Moscow-Brasilia interaction at major multilateral platforms, including preparations for the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Belem, November 10−21).

Brazil-BRICS Trade

Last year, Brazil’s trade with BRICS nations reached US$210 billion, representing 35% of its total trade. Brazilian exports to BRICS reached US$121 billion (36% of total exports), while imports from BRICS amounted to US$88 billion (34% of total imports).

Russia-BRICS Trade

In 2024, Russia also saw a significant increase in trade with BRICS nations, with a focus on using national currencies for transactions. The share of the ruble and other BRICS countries’ currencies in trade reached 90%. The multilateral trade volume between Russia and the ten full member BRICS countries increased by 14.7% in 2024, reaching an estimated US$357 billion.

Brazil-Russia Trade

In terms of Russia, Brazil’s bilateral trade volume reached US$12.4 billion in 2024, with Russian exports accounting for US$11 billion. Brazil’s main exports to Russia include soybeans, meat, peanuts, coffee, and sugar, while Russia’s primary exports to Brazil are fertilizers and refined petroleum. Brazil relies on Russia for a significant portion of its diesel imports. However, while Brazil is still very much the junior partner in trade volumes, it should be noted that its exports to Russia doubled last year.


Brazil and Russia have a rapidly growing trade relationship, with Russia also investing heavily in significant industrial sectors such as nuclear energy, and uranium processing. Russian energy, agriculture and fertilizer exports have also boomed in recent years. New Brazilian consumer products are also finding their way into Russian supermarkets, including sugar, fruits, some dairy products, along with wines and spirits.

Russia’s Rosatom have proposed the establishing of nuclear power plants in Rio de Janeiro state. New Thorium reactors (which are less toxic) are essential in developing Russia’s energy sector, most of which is reliant on hydroelectricity.

Russia has also been highly supportive of Brazil’s accession to the UN security council, noting on numerous occasions that it is the most powerful and populous economy in South America.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
New East China-Moscow Direct Freight Rail Service
https://russiaspivottoasia.com/new-e...-rail-service/
A new direct rail cargo service is operating between east China's Hefei city and Moscow, transiting via Kazakhstan. The journey takes 20 days. #railfreight #RailTrade

https://x.com/RussiasPivot/status/1942237734057164989

https://russiaspivottoasia.com/new-e...-rail-service/

New East China-Moscow Direct Freight Rail Service

Russia’s Yuzhny Port terminal in Moscow has received a train with consumer goods from China for the first time, according to Russian Railways Logistics. The cargo was destined for the Southern Port Terminal, which has launched a regular import container service, with trains being prepared at China’s main Hefei city railway station and transiting through Kazakhstan. Hefei is the capital city of China’s inland Anhui Province, to the west of Shanghai. It is known for its agricultural produce.

The train departed from Hefei Station (eastern China), transited through Kazakhstan, and arrived at the Yuzhny Port terminal 20 days later.

The new route is part of a program to expand international transport corridors and optimize supply chains between Asia and European Russia, providing additional business opportunities for both countries.

“The launch of the new import service through the Yuzhny Port TLC is an important step in the development of trans-Eurasian logistics. The terminal’s location within the city limits makes it one of the key links in the delivery chain, ensuring both efficiency and cost-effectiveness for customers,” said Sergey Levin, Deputy General Director and Director of the Multimodal Transport Department at Russian Railways Logistics.

https://russiaspivottoasia.com/wp-co.../Hefei-Map.jpg

The first train under this service arrived in Moscow on July 1. The service is planned to be a regular trip and is expected to run 2-4 journeys to Moscow from Hefei every month.

The Yuzhny Port Transport and Logistics Center (part of Russian Railways) is located in the southeast of the capital in the Pechatniki district. The convenient location of the port within the city limits ensures fast delivery of goods and cost-effectiveness for customers.

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Russia Asks Saudi Arabia To Join New Independent Oil & Gas Equipment Standards Institute
https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russi...rds-institute/
A side effect of sanctions is the movement of standards, expertise and innovation away from previous western centres as can be seen in this Russian move to create alternatives away American institutes in the energy sector. #RussiaSaudi #INTI #OilGasTech

https://x.com/RussiasPivot/status/1943343079211315302

https://russiaspivottoasia.com/russi...rds-institute/

Russia Asks Saudi Arabia To Join New Independent Oil & Gas Equipment Standards Institute

July 10, 2025 Energy, Middle East, Regulatory By Russia's Pivot to Asia
Russia wants Saudi companies to participate in developing standards for oil and gas equipment that are independent of the West, Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov has said. He was speaking at the Industrial Dialog: Russia – Saudi Arabia business forum held as part of the Innoprom 2025 exhibition currently taking place in Ekaterinburg.

Alikhanov said that “The Russian Institute of Oil and Gas Technology Initiatives (INTI) is now working in close cooperation with foreign oil companies, and we would like to invite our Saudi partners to also join this work to develop and introduce independent standards in this area that are independent from the American Petroleum Institute“.

He said he raised this issue at a meeting with Saudi Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef, saying that “We discussed our successes in localizing and replacing imports in production of equipment for the oil and gas sector. We’ve been doing this work since 2014. There are substantial results, both in terms of production and in terms of the development of internationally recognized standards in this area. We think this is extremely important. Saudi Arabia, we believe, is a natural partner here, a country that produces the most oil in the world. In our view, this is also a natural movement, specifically downstream projects, and complete technological independence. This is what we could offer, where we could implement joint projects.”

The Russian side has already conducted a series of presentations of oil and gas equipment for Saudi partners, Alikhanov said. “We hope this work will continue. We have considerable experience with the UAE and Bahrain, so given Saudi Arabia’s oil production volumes – they’re the world leaders after all – I believe our expertise in oil and gas equipment and standardization implemented through INTI will interest them. I’m confident this work will yield practical results.”

Negotiations have already begun with the UAE to be part of the INTI standards initiative, with Alikhanov adding that “Several dozen standards have already been approved for application in the United Arab Emirates. We hope to have equally productive work with Saudi colleagues, with dozens of INTI standards becoming applicable in Saudi Arabia too. We have great potential for cooperating in the mining industry. We have mastered modern exploration technology, tools for processing big geological data, cartography, including the use of unmanned systems. We can also offer our Saudi partners equipment for mining and processing ores.”

He also mentioned shipbuilding, metallurgy and a number of other sectors as potential areas for Saudi Arabian cooperation, emphasizing the trade angle: “Mutual trade increased by more than 60% and exceeded US$3.8 billion last year. In Q1 2025, we have achieved a fourfold increase in trade turnover compared to the same period of 2023. We need to maintain this dynamic through joint efforts, look for new points of growth for further technological partnership.”

There are other geopolitical implications, as US sanctions have made it extremely difficult for US based standards institutes to work with Russian and certain other countries, such as Iran. Yet Russia has the world’s largest reserves of gas and is among the top three global producers of oil.

Country % Of Global Gas Reserves % of Global Oil Reserves
Russia 4.5 20
Saudi Arabia 4.3 17
Iran 17 12
UAE 3.1 5.9
United States 4.65 4.0

As can be seen, on a geographic basis, it makes little sense for global oil and gas standards to be directed by the country possessing the least reserves. It also implies that larger volumes will also dictate more innovative oil and gas products, requiring a new development centre of oil and gas standards of excellence to be put into place – exactly the Russian position.

This further implies that innovation and future technological excellence may also begin to move to regions that possess the most reserves and therefore have the greater experience and capabilities to experiment and develop these resources.