Упрощенная HTML-версия
Электронное приложение к журналу «
Международная жизнь
»
Author : Ewa Czarkowska
Adjunct, Institute of Political Science, The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland,
Candidate of Science (Political Science)
For several reasons, Central Asia occupies a special
place in the regional policies of Russia and China.
First, it is their geographic proximity and common his-
tory which, on the one hand, promote their coopera-
tion and, on the other, stir up their rivalry.
Second, the Central Asian countries are rich in natural
resources, hydrocarbons being the most attractive of
them. Third, their transit potential is very high: it
makes it easier (or harder) to reach strategically impor-
tant regions, viz. Southern and Eastern Asia and the Middle East.
The regional policies of both players went through several stages while their foreign policy strate-
gies were developing synchronously since both Moscow and Beijing faced internal and external
challenges, albeit at different periods.
Disappointed with the CIS, Moscow relied on already existing instruments to deal with the spe-
cific problems in the south.
Dissolution of the Soviet Union stirred no enthusiasm in Central Asia yet Russia was not treated
as one of the honorable elements of the Central Asian states' new national identities.
When dealing with the Central Asian states the Kremlin had to keep in mind that the region
might slip away to the sphere of interests of other powers.
At no time China has publicly described its strategic aims in the region yet its priorities and stages
of regional policies can be identified through an analysis of Beijing's regional activity. On the
international arena China is seeking security, realization of its economic and energy interests,
and favorable conditions for the final settlement of the Taiwan issue. The fundamental goals of
Chinese diplomacy are united into a system of coordinates, according to which the importance
(rank) of each state and each region in general is assessed within China's priorities, while its gen-
eral and particular political aims in individual countries and regions are identified.
THE HISTORY of the relationships of Russia and China with Central Asia is varied and am-
biguous. The very special emotional burden of the past creates a very specific atmosphere which
creates new challenges for them.
Reduced American presence in the region might tip the balance of forces in favor of China.
Concerns about this possibility are voiced more and more frequently in the discussions of future
Russian-Chinese relations.
Russia and China in Central Asia: Evolving Strategies