China’s Growing Influence in Central Asia

With Russia deeply engaged in a prolonged conflict in Ukraine and increasingly reliant on China for resources, Beijing is seizing the opportunity to expand its influence in Central Asia, a region that was historically within Russia’s sphere of influence. In response, Russia is pushing back vigorously.

Central Asian leaders are convening with the presidents of China and Russia this week in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, where China’s escalating presence is palpable. The region is witnessing the construction of new rail lines and other infrastructure, along with a surge in trade and investment.

Upon his arrival in Astana on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping was welcomed by Kazakh children who sang in Chinese. He hailed the enduring friendship between China and Kazakhstan as one that has spanned generations.

Russian President Vladimir V. Putin is set to arrive on Wednesday for the commencement of the summit in Astana, which is an annual gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional body largely dominated by Beijing. Initially focused on security matters, the forum has evolved into a platform for China and Russia to assert their aspirations of reshaping a global order that has long been dominated by the United States.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, established by China and Russia in 2001 with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan as founding members, has expanded to include Pakistan, India, and Iran in recent years.

Image: Mr. Tokayev and Mr. Xi attending a welcome ceremony upon Mr. Xi’s arrival at the airport in Astana on Tuesday. Credit: Kazakh President press service, via EPA, via Shutterstock