<
https://theconversation.com/russia-and-china-both-want-influence-over-central-asia-could-it-rupture-their-friendship-251023>
"As he looks to solidify his territorial gains in Ukraine in a potential
ceasefire deal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has one eye trained on
Russia’s southern border – and boosting Russian influence in Central Asia.
Following his 2024 re-election, Putin made Uzbekistan his third foreign visit
after China and Belarus. The visit signalled the region’s continued importance
to Moscow.
In response to Western sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine war, trade and
investment between Russia and Central Asian countries have grown significantly.
Russia’s Lukoil and Gazprom are now the dominant foreign players in
Uzbekistan’s energy fields. In Kazakhstan, Moscow controls a quarter of the
country’s uranium production.
But as Russia tries to reaffirm its role in the region, China has also been
quietly expanding its influence.
Could this growing competition over Central Asia affect Beijing and Moscow’s
broader relationship?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
