China and Central Asian Countries’ Cooperation in the Sphere of Security: Religious Aspects and Beyond

Abstract

Significant changes are taking place in the existing rules of international relations. Following the withdrawal of the United States and allied troops from Afghanistan, Central Asian states have been forced to change their foreign policy since the Taliban took control over Afghanistan. It is impossible to accurately predict the future of the current regional situation. Until the Taliban came to power, none of the countries have established official relations with the Taliban, which has been recognized as a terrorist organization. In this context, it is important for the Central Asian states to define new joint responsibilities for relations with countries familiar to them, such as the Russian Federation or the People’s Republic of China. The main purpose of this article is to identify the difficulties and common interests of cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in the field of religious security and to identify mutually beneficial concepts. It is very important for the People’s Republic of China to maintain security and stability in the Central Asian region. Maintaining stability in the region is necessary not only in terms of economic interests, but also in order not to disturb the internal peace of the state. The presence of Muslim peoples in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, including unresolved opposition to the central government, the establishment of the Islamic State of Afghanistan too close to its sphere of influence and their historical, ethnic and, most importantly, religious unity are real challenges for Beijing. Chinese leaders intend to use the Central Asian region as a “buffer” to prevent religious extremism and radical movements from entering their territory. This is one of the main goals in the field of religious security, both in bilateral and in multilateral relations within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This position has both advantages and disadvantages for the Central Asian states. The research project consists of three main chapters, which in turn have subchapters. First chapter is devoted to the new approach for theoretical base of studying problem. Second is dedicated to bilateral relations between Central Asian countries and China. Last chapter describes multilateral relations in the field of religious security. In the conclusion, we will identify root of problem, obstacles and misunderstandings and we will attempt to give the new conception and approaches to solve or to regulate this issue.