China's Cooperation with Countries of Central Asia: Present and Prospects

Abstract

The article examines China’s geopolitical, economic, and security interests in Central Asia against the background of global geopolitical confrontation in the region. It has been established that China’s foreign policy towards the countries of Central Asia is aimed at: observing the principles of good-neighborly friendship and peaceful cooperation; implementation of mutually beneficial cooperation to promote general prosperity; respect for the choices of people of all countries and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries; respect for independence and sovereignty and promotion of regional stability. Special attention is paid to the issue of security and maintenance of stability in the region, which is ensured mainly through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The issue of cooperation in the energy sector was also considered. China’s state-owned companies in the region have focused their interest on the energy industry, and especially on Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan – countries that contain significant hydrocarbon potential and high export and transit opportunities. By attracting investments to the region, China strengthens its influence, thereby weakening the dependence of the countries of the region on Russia and balancing Russia's political activity in the region. According to the results of the first summit «China - Central Asia», held on May 18-19, 2023 in the city of Xiʼan, the leaders of the countries of the region approved the policy of «one China», supporting its policy towards Taiwan, and also agreed on the activation of bilateral relations, the development of transport energy and transport and logistics communications, increasing the export of food products to China.