Beijing – As Russia remains preoccupied with the Ukraine conflict, China began moves to strengthen cooperation with Central Asian countries under Russian influence. China has organised a two-day summit of five Central Asian countries, including in-person and group meetings. The Russian news agency reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone conversation with the President of Kazakhstan while China was making these efforts.
Russia continues to maintain its influence in Central Asian countries once part of the Russian Federation (Soviet Union). These countries include Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Most of these countries have been known for their fuel and mineral richness. Russian President Vladimir Putin had pursued a course of extensive financing, including setting up groups to maintain Russian interests in these countries.
In the wake of the Ukraine conflict, there have been indications that Russia’s hold on these countries was waning, attributed to China’s ongoing moves over the past decade. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasised Central Asian countries in his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. Moreover, China has turned its attention to these countries’ fuel and mineral resources and has invested billions of dollars in the sector.
Furthermore, Thursday and Friday’s two-day Central Asia Summit seems to be part of efforts to increase investment and impact. Earlier, China’s interference in this area had received strong reactions from Russia. In addition, Russia has reprimanded China and the Central Asian countries that were close to China. However, even after that, China has not changed its policy but seems to start more aggressive moves to take advantage of the conflict in Ukraine.
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