On April 27, 2011, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences hosted the 14th annual scientific conference organized by the Center for Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania on the problems of modern socio-economic, political, historical and cultural development of the region. In the reports and speeches, considerable attention was paid to geopolitical problems, determining the place of the region in the system of international, political and economic relations, including the state and prospects for the development of relations between the ASEAN countries and the Russian Federation. The conference was attended by employees of the Center for Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania, other divisions of the Institute of Information Technology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, teachers and postgraduates of higher educational institutions in Moscow (ISAA MSU, MGIMO(U)Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation), scientists of academic institutes, employees of practical organizations. The conference was dedicated to the memory of Doctor of Historical Sciences V. F. Vasiliev.

The conference was opened by V. V. Naumkin, Director of the Institute of Information Technology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, who approved the idea of holding such annual scientific forums, recreating the diverse life of the region, taking into account its growing role in the modern world.

E. V. Molodyakova, Deputy Director of the Institute of Information Technology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, noted that the annual conferences on topical issues of Southeast Asian development (since 1998) are an important event in the scientific life of the Institute, which can be put on a par with such a phenomenon as the conference " Society and the State in China "(this year it was held for the 41st time).. In fact, a chronicle is being created of the rich, multi-faceted, complex life of the region, which is gaining more and more weight in world politics and economy. The conference structure is very good.

Yu. O. Levtonova (Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences) spoke about Vladimir Fedorovich as the patriarch, the founder of Russian Soviet and Russian Burmese studies, who continued his fruitful research activities until the last days of his life. In the memory of his colleagues and friends, V. F. Vasiliev remains not only a great scientist, a highly professional specialist, but also an intelligent, decent, and noble person.

The conference consisted of three blocks: general reports; regional problems; country problems.

Dmitry Mosyakov, Head of the Center for Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania, made a presentation on "Why the region of Southeast Asia is one of the main objects of modern Chinese expansion". China's expansion in relation to Southeast Asia, he noted, is an expansion of its sphere of domination, carried out both under the threat of the use of force, and through the development of economic, political, socio-cultural ties, which may result in a special position of the PRC in this region of the world. For the PRC, expansion is a kind of forced measure, a guarantee of maintaining internal stability and continuity of power, a survival factor for both the ruling political elite and the existing political regime. In the face of increasing opposition to its expansion, Beijing is actively combining a policy of tough pressure on its counterparties and forming all the components of a "soft power"policy in this region. Why is Southeast Asia chosen by China as the main line of expansion, and why are there obvious successes in Beijing's policy, which has recently openly challenged the indisputable American influence? D. V. Mosyakov identifies six main factors-the answers to this question. 1) Indistinct borders between China, Southwestern China and the territory of the Southeast Asian countries, nominally passing through sparsely populated areas inhabited by small mountain peoples, who in fact only formally recognize themselves as subjects of Laos or Myanmar. Not only does legal and illegal trade flow through these conditional borders (calculations are made in Chinese yuan), but the idea of the PRC as a prosperous and attractive state is also spreading. The speaker demonstrates China's particularly broad capabilities in this regard on the example of Myanmar and Laos; 2) The Southeast Asian countries are necessary for China as a strategic springboard that opens up the possibility of direct access to the Indian Ocean, which contributes to strengthening China's claims to world leadership; 3) China's progress in Southeast Asia is facilitated by the fact that in the countries of this region, According to opinion polls, the most positive resource in the eyes of local public opinion (with the exception of Vietnam, which was used more than once in the past

4) The spread of China's influence in Southeast Asia is also facilitated by the fact that about 30 million ethnic Chinese live in this region today, who play a key role in their economies in almost all countries; 5) Southeast Asia is also necessary for China as an important region that can strengthen the economic power and attractiveness of today's PRC. 6) South Asia is also necessary for Beijing because it is here that the most intense and first battle for China's dominance in the region is unfolding today with the United States acting together with Japan.

S. A. Bylinyak (Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences) in his report "Imbalances in the world economy and the countries of Southeast and East Asia" focused on the following points. 1. The modern world economy is characterized by many researchers as extremely unbalanced. Special studies and international economic organizations have been paying attention to this for several years. However, in February 2011, at a meeting of the world's top 20 countries in Paris, this problem was recognized as a serious global problem; 2. At that meeting, the representatives of France and Germany proposed indicators that should determine the extent to which individual countries contribute to the imbalance of the world economy; 3. These indicators are: budget deficits,budget deficits, and budget deficits. public debt profile and private debt, current account balance of payments, gold and foreign exchange reserves, exchange rate. The adoption of recommendations based on the conclusions drawn from these indicators would mean that individual countries ' economic policies need to be adjusted. Therefore, the BRICS countries opposed this initiative; 4. Undoubtedly, many other countries that are not part of the G20 would not support it either. This also applies to Southeast Asian countries, which often pursue policies (in the area of balance of payments, exchange rates, etc.) that do not meet the interests of a balanced world economy; 5.The summit adopted the proposals of France and Germany only in general terms. And so the process of imbalances remains without a regulator.

The report of A. P. Muranova (Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences) was devoted to the role of tax policy and modernization of the economies of Southeast Asian countries based on the material of three countries-Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. The impact on the process of economic modernization is manifested through a system of tax incentives, which are aimed primarily at massive attraction of foreign investment, bringing advanced technologies and highly qualified management to these countries, and at stimulating the activity of national businesses, primarily in modern industries. The process of modernization of the economy of Singapore and Malaysia began in the 60s of the XX century with the development of import-substituting industries, which was stimulated by the provision of significant fiscal incentives to the business community. In the following years, the introduction of additional very large tax incentives contributed to the development of new modern high-tech industries, knowledge-intensive and innovative projects, and especially the service sector (trade, banking) on the basis of huge foreign investments attracted. In Brunei, the tax incentive mechanism for this process actually began to operate only in the "zero" years of the XXI century. with the adoption of new laws on tax benefits.

A. A. Rogozhin (IMEMO RAS) in his report "Energy Security of Southeast Asia" considered the problem of energy security in the region, highlighting the main reasons for its aggravation: 1) the economic recovery that resumed at the end of the first decade in most Southeast Asian countries, a significant consequence and integral attribute of which was the increased demand for energy carriers; this issue has a clear upward trend in the future, at least until 2030; 2) the growth in energy demand is now taking place against the background of the relative depletion of proven and easily accessible in all Southeast Asian countries; 3) ensuring the energy security of these countries increasingly depends on the extent to which they manage to ensure the development of the national raw material base (oil and gas) with a sharp increase in the costs of their exploration and production associated with the use of new capital-intensive technologies, materials, equipment and specialists; 4) increasing the level of criticality traditional dependence of many Southeast Asian countries (primarily Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore) from oil supplies from the Middle East in the context of growing instability in these countries. In conclusion, the speaker gave an analysis of the measures taken by the Southeast Asian countries to strengthen energy security at the present time and in the medium term.

The second block of reports was opened by a speech by M. G. Osipova (IB RAS), devoted to the problem of transformation of integration processes in the financial sector of the economy under the influence of-

the impact of the global financial crisis and the man-made disaster caused by natural disasters in Japan.

In the report of V. P. Nikolaev (IV RAS) "40th anniversary of the Pacific Islands Forum: results and prospects", it was noted that the regional organization of Australia and Oceania, established in 1971 under the name of the South Pacific Forum, continues to play a significant role in the region. The Forum consistently advocated the elimination of the remnants of colonialism in Oceania, opposed French nuclear tests, and provided assistance to island states in the development of the economy, education, and medical services. The Forum's decisions on the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the South Pacific and the introduction of 200-mile economic zones were of global significance. Currently, the Forum unites 16 independent countries. Its priority tasks include improving the well-being of island peoples, promoting economic development, combating separatism and eliminating interethnic conflicts, preserving the environment and preventing an environmental catastrophe due to changes in the Earth's climate.

V. F. Urlyapov (Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences) will address US-ASEAN relations. The ASEAN countries welcomed the Obama administration's "return to Asia" policy, which included adopting a "smart power" strategy that combined various foreign policy tools: diplomatic, economic, military, and others. Washington has made the main bet on multilateral diplomacy, pursuing the following goals: to create a barrier to China's growing influence in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, without resorting to putting together military-political blocs, as well as to promote US trade and economic interests by updating and creating new free-trading groups covering the economies of the "Pacific ring".

At the same time, the ASEAN countries have taken a cautious stance, not wanting direct or indirect involvement in the US-China rivalry in the Asia-Pacific region. For them, the question remained unclear: was the US administration's focus on multilateral diplomacy an encouraging sign of recognition of the authority of ASEAN and its central role in political and economic processes in Pacific Asia, or was it a sign of Washington's weakening geopolitical position?

S. E. Pale (IB RAS) considered in her speech the consequences of the "Arab Spring" for the countries of Oceania. The political unrest and unrest that broke out in the Middle East and North Africa in the first half of 2011 had a significant impact on the States of Oceania. Factors such as fluctuations in oil prices and migration flows have had an impact not only on the immediate regions, but also on the" peripheral " borders, which include the countries of the South Pacific region (SWR). The rupture of the" subsidized friendship " in the UN, albeit temporary, between the Arab League and the countries of Oceania may again lead to a dead end on the issue of Palestinian independence. Unless China, which has received 13 votes from Oceanic UN member states, continues the LAS line on this issue. In the South, especially in Australia and New Zealand, an influx of refugees from Arab countries is expected. In order to prevent illegal migration, measures to protect maritime borders have been strengthened and migration legislation has been tightened. Rising oil prices due to unrest in Arab countries-importers of hydrocarbons caused considerable financial difficulties in Oceania. But they also caused a tendency to strengthen integration processes in the region.

N. B. Lebedeva's presentation (IB RAS) was devoted to the growing geostrategic and economic role of the Strait of Malacca for the Southeast Asian countries and user states - the United States, China, Japan, etc. The approaches of these States to security issues in the waters of the Strait of Malacca are distinguished by a complex set of diverse interests and contradictions. We need common solutions to build a safe maritime order in this region, create an atmosphere of greater trust, regulate freedom of navigation, protect communications, etc. Some of these principles are embodied in the ReCAAP (Japan) and MALISINDO (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore) agreements.

The report of L. K. Arunova (IB RAS) considered the problem of tourism as a factor of economic integration in the Southeast Asian countries. In this sector, jobs are actively created, infrastructure is being developed, and the treasury receives significant income from the tourism business. Thus, some countries in the region (for example, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand) receive significant income from tourism (the share of revenues in GDP of these countries in 2009 was 11.4, 8.2, and 6.0%, respectively). Almost half of all international travel takes place within the ASEAN region. This indicates that tourism is directly related to the economy of the country.-

economic integration of the Southeast Asian countries. The ASEAN countries are improving the tourism sector within the framework of the ASEAN National Tourism Organization (NTO) and the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings on Tourism, where projects are being developed to gradually level movement restrictions within the Southeast Asian region. Thus, it can be assumed that in the future a common visa-free space will be formed in Southeast Asia, which may contribute to the creation of a single economic community of the ASEAN states.

O. V. Novakova and V. N. Sokolova (both ISAA) analyzed the final stage of French colonial rule in Vietnam and British rule in Burma. Concepts of the post-war structure of Vietnam and Burma are drawn up: the idea of creating an Indochina Federation, proposed by France, and the idea of the British Commonwealth of Nations, proposed by Great Britain. Unlike France, Great Britain realized that its political withdrawal from the colonies could be the key to maintaining its economic presence. As a result, British policy at the final stage of colonialism can be characterized as more balanced and objective, which allowed it to avoid colonial wars and maintain its prestige.

In his speech, A. A. Kashcheev (MGIMO University) of the Russian Foreign Ministry) noted that the task set out in the ASEAN Charter of creating a triune community by 2015 (political and security, economic and cultural spheres) in the process of regional integration comes to the fore the economic aspect. According to the speaker, it is extremely important to properly manage and regulate economic processes both on the part of business and the state, which should provide the most favorable conditions for the development of both the national and regional economy.

The third block was opened by the speech of A. Y. Drugov (Institute of Political Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences), who noted the continuing disunity in the circles of the Indonesian political elite, which seriously weakens the position of President S. B. Yudhoyono. The country has actually started fighting in connection with the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2014. Sectarian tensions have escalated between radical Islamists and Christians, especially in Java. Despite the balanced course of the government of S. B. Yudhoyono, latent anti-Malaysian, nationalist sentiments persist in the country, sometimes breaking out on insignificant occasions. In the face of increasing US-Chinese rivalry in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is opposed to the dominance of any of the great powers in this region of the world.

The report of G. V. Suchkov (IB RAS) is dedicated to the breakthrough of the Democratic Party of Indonesia (Fighting) (DPI(b)), headed by Megawati Sukarnoputri, to the forefront of the state life of Indonesia. This female leader-perhaps the most prominent member of the Indonesian opposition in the twilight of Suharto's presidency - was seen by a significant number of citizens as a newly formed politician, and her name became synonymous with " transformation." G. V. Suchkov analyzed the activities of Sukarnoputri and the DP(b) headed by it over the past years, reviewed their successes and failures, and outlined the prospects for this structure and its leader in the current historical context.

In her speech, L. F. Pakhomova (IV RAS) focused on the creation of Sharia banking in Indonesia, where Muslims make up 85% of the 234 million population. The rapid growth of the new sector of the economy and its integration into the Indonesian credit and banking system was facilitated by both traditional Sharia principles and the introduction of modern business practices. Islamic banks have demonstrated their resilience during two crises - the Asian crisis and the financial crisis-which has provided an influx of investment and customers, as well as strengthened their business reputation. The rapid development of new structures has led to changes in society, starting from the lower orders and ending with the emergence of bankers serving the new economy. The growing mutual business interests of the financial business communities of Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, as well as other North African countries, are causing concern in ASEAN due to the fear that new contacts will delay the creation of a common market for the Association.

Message subject M. P. Sosedova (MGIMO(U) Russian Foreign Ministry) - events in the Indonesian province of Aceh in 2008-2010, indicating the possibility of a new conflict outbreak. Such concerns may arise in connection with two points. First, the province of Aceh is the only one in Indonesia where Sharia laws are officially applied on a par with the legislation of a secular state. Secondly, in 2008 - 2009, abductions allegedly organized by former militants took place in Aceh, and several terrorists were detained. The fundamentalization of Islam, which has been gaining momentum in recent years, poses a serious threat to stability in the province. The introduction of sharia law in the provinces has not only affected

However, it also led researchers to talk about the possible participation of Aceh residents in extremist activities and their connection with global terrorism. In the Indonesian press, it was assumed that the so-called Aceh terrorists were preparing attacks on US President B. Obama (scheduled for March 2010, his visit to Indonesia did not take place). In February, Indonesian police conducted an anti-terrorist sweep in Aceh. Al-Qaeda and Jama'a Islamia terrorists cannot be excluded from entering the province. However, despite the impact of centrifugal factors, the Acehans themselves may well find it more convenient to remain in Indonesia. First, we should not forget that it was from the national budget of Jakarta that money was allocated to rebuild Aceh's settlements (after the 2004 tsunami). Secondly, peace in the province will help to increase foreign investment in the local economy, replenish the budget of Aceh due to the influx of tourists (the Indonesian government already has a corresponding plan).

Yu. O. Levtonova (IB RAS) reviewed the problems and trends that emerged after the 2010 elections in the Philippines and the coming to power of the administration of B. Aquino III. Despite an 18% drop in the rating of the new president, he remains popular among Filipinos, who associate him with expectations of renewal and changes in the life of society. Three main directions of Aquino's reform course were identified: the fight against systemic corruption and poverty; modernization of the economy; and settlement of the problem of radical opposition movements (left-wing insurgency and interfaith conflict in the Muslim South). Positive movement is observed in all directions. It is likely that more or less effective results can be expected from the resumption of negotiations with the leftist rebels and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

E. M. Gurevich (IV RAS) reviewed the problems of immigration policy in Singapore. The country has a liberal immigration policy. The authorities motivate it with the needs of a growing economy, which are difficult to meet with their own very limited labor resources. Today, immigrant workers make up about 30% of the wage labor army. Not only do they serve as a buffer for Singaporean workers in difficult times, especially during periods of economic crises that inevitably involve mass layoffs, but they also increase Singapore's competitiveness in the global market to a certain extent, restraining wage growth and, consequently, the cost of labor. Recently, the inevitability of attracting foreign migrants to the country is associated with the unbalanced demographic situation that has developed in the country in recent decades: a low birth rate and an aging population. The policy of the country's leadership on this issue may be of great practical interest, since external migration and related problems are becoming global in nature.

In her report, E. M. Astafieva (IB RAS) turned to the history of the spread of Christianity in Singapore, analyzing trends in changes in the religious affiliation of the population of Singapore. Between 1980 and 2010, the number of Christians almost doubled, from 10% to 18.3%. The increase in the number of Christians was due to an increase in followers of this religion mainly in the Chinese ethnic group, the second most important religion after Buddhism for Singaporean Chinese. According to the 2010 census, the proportion of Buddhists in the Chinese ethnic group is 43%, Taoists-14.4%, Christians - 20.1%. This trend in changing religious affiliation is associated with an increase in the number of Chinese people receiving education in English. We are talking about the growing popularity of various Protestant churches, which have been active in Singapore since the late 1980s, attracting well-educated young people to their ranks.

A. A. Simonia (IB RAS) devoted her speech to the political events in Myanmar in 2010-2011 - the general parliamentary elections and the official transfer of power to the civilian leadership, which were the culmination of the implementation of the road map to democracy. As a result, Myanmar has created a political hybrid-a military-civilian government controlled by the army. Key government posts were mostly held by top-level generals who were members of the State Council and were dismissed before the election. The speaker noted that, despite the change of ideological attitudes, a certain stereotype of social management technology has developed in the country over the past 50 years. At some point, the ruling military regime turns into a civilian one, adopting a new constitution and changing its appearance, i.e. removing the military uniform. This was the case in 1974 under General Ne Vin and it happened again

in 2011, under Senior General Tan Shwe. There is only a change of generations of the military that controls the country.

E. A. Fomicheva (IB RAS) gave an assessment of the political situation in Thailand, emphasizing that the traditional order of power formation has changed in recent years. The established pattern of alternating parliamentarism and military juntas has ceased to work, due to the fierce struggle between the old and new elites. Moreover, the new elite is trying to oust the old one from politics. Massive non-parliamentary forces have established themselves in the life of modern Thailand: "yellow shirts", "red shirts", "pink shirts". Analyzing the essence of these movements, E. A. Fomicheva traced their similarity to the "color revolutions" in a number of countries, which allow accumulating the protest energy of the masses, which ultimately can lead to chaos in the country.

N. Vlasov (MGIMO University of the Russian Foreign Ministry) spoke about Thailand's policy of" involving " China as the foundation of bilateral relations. Back in the 70s of the XX century. Thailand became one of the initiators of the new ASEAN policy towards China, which later became known as the policy of "engagement" in three areas: politics, security, and economy. With its help, Thailand expects to reduce the risks associated with Beijing's expansion in Southeast Asia.

Subject S. Y. Molchanova (MGIMO(U) Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation) - the impact of the domestic political crisis in Thailand on macroeconomic indicators. We are talking about a military coup in September 2006, which resulted in the removal of the government of Thaksin Chinnowat from power (followed by a political crisis). Comparing the dynamics of such macroeconomic indicators as the growth rates of GDP, exports, imports, and the state budget deficit, S. Molchanov concluded that the political crisis did not actually affect them. And this indicates a fairly high degree of stability of the Thai economy.

The report of G. F. Murasheva (IB RAS) is devoted to the integration policy of Vietnam. Its participation in integration projects (for example, ASEAN) is one of the priority directions of the country's foreign policy (reflected in the materials of the IX (2001), X (2006), XI CPV Congresses (2011)). An integral part of Vietnam's integration policy is participation in the construction of the Indochina "development triangle", which includes Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia under the informal leadership of Vietnam. G. F. Murashev's Triangle project is viewed through the prism of problems hindering integration within the framework of ASEAN. Plans to implement the "triangle" idea to some extent confirm the assessment of ASEAN (by some experts) as a regional organization, where there is a process, but no progress.

A. A. Sokolov (Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences) analyzed the main events and trends in the cultural life of Vietnam in 2010. which was held under the sign of the 1000th anniversary of the Vietnamese capital-Thanglong (as Hanoi was called in ancient times). On the occasion of this date, a festive parade was held in Hanoi on October 10. Numerous events were held as part of the large festive program. On the eve of the anniversary, the Thanglong Imperial Fortress, located in the Vietnamese capital, built in the XI century in the Red River Delta during the Late Li Dynasty, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as a sign of the centralization of the state of Daivet (Great Viet). In general, in the spiritual life of Vietnamese people, there is a strengthening of the position of mass culture. National fiction continues to follow the tradition of creating realistic works that promote patriotic ideals and humanistic values. The main literary award - the Vietnam Writers 'Union Award - for 2010 was awarded to writer Shiong Nguet Minh for the collection of short stories "Strange Fragrance". Last year was a successful one for the national tourism industry - about 5 million tourists visited Vietnam. foreign tourists.

The report of N. N. Bektemirova (MSU ISAA) was devoted to the religious factor in the political life of modern Cambodia. In the context of the expanding process of democratization and electability in the highest authorities in Cambodia, the country's ruling elites still have a strong need for additional legitimation through the values of traditional political culture. This is expressed primarily in the powerful patronage of the Buddhist Sangha, to which representatives of government structures donate substantial funds. Active support of Buddhism by the top leadership of the ruling Cambodian People's Party has become an important element of its political image. Generous monetary offerings to the Buddhist Sangha by the ruling elite, led by Hun Sen, objectively lead to the political bias of the leadership of the monastic community. The political sympathies of the top sangha are not at all clear.

It is shared by ordinary monks, mostly from poor peasant families, who mostly sympathize with opposition parties.

L. N. Morev (IB RAS) examines the situation in Laos between the 6th and 7th five-year plans. The report summarizes the results of the 6th five-year plan and makes forecasts for the country's development in the 7th five-year plan (2011-2015).

The report of N. S. Skorobogatykh (IB RAS) examines the complex of problems generated by the implementation of multiculturalism policy in the Australian Union (AU). Firstly, there is a constant increase in social tension between representatives of the Anglo-Celtic or, more broadly, the European majority and ethnic groups, especially the Muslim minority (about 1.7% of the total population), who do not want to align their interests with the dominant standards in society. Secondly, there are the costs created by the flow of illegal immigrants who find support and shelter within ethnically related communities in the AU. The aggravation of interethnic and interfaith relations in the AU in the late XX - early XXI centuries is associated with the discontent of minorities caused by the attempts of the governments of J. R. R. Tolkien and others. To a lesser extent, K. is happy to make multiculturalism more acceptable to the majority of the country's population. The path chosen by the current Gillard cabinet to maintain the previous course is not in line with public opinion (in February 2011). at the national level, only 87% expressed support for multiculturalism, 49% declared themselves opposed to Muslims and 12% called themselves racists), and this is fraught with further complication of the domestic and foreign political situation for Australia.

T. P. Miloslavskaya's report "Muslims in Australia" addressed the problems associated with the growth of the Muslim community in the country, the situation of Muslims, the difficulties for the government in solving the problems of multiculturalism and preserving the identity of Australia as a Christian country. Demographic data on employment, property status of Muslims, as well as steps taken by the federal government to regulate the growth of anti-Islamic sentiment in the country are presented.

The 14th annual scientific conference on the problems of modern development of Southeast Asia confirmed its unifying role in the community of Russian specialists in this region. The topics of the reports and presentations were devoted to the most pressing problems for the countries of Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania, which were of great scientific interest for Oriental studies, including in Russia, and are of practical importance.

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