China’s Strategy Toward the De Facto States of the Post-Soviet Space from a Neorealistic Perspective

Abstract

The article analyzes the strategy of the People's Republic of China in relation to the de facto states of the post-Soviet space. The problem has not received enough attention in the Russian research literature; Western researchers cover the issue sporadically. It seems necessary to answer the question: is the PRC's interest limited solely to the economic direction of private companies or is it part of a large-scale state strategy to expand its influence in the South Caucasus (Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh) and the left bank of the Dniester (Transnistria)? The economic course of the PRC is part of the political processes. Attempts to establish political influence in different regions of the world are realized through economic involvement and control. On the global political arena China promotes its image of a supporter of expanding cooperation and prevention of regional conflicts, while successfully balancing between different competing groups in the world system, establishing profitable economic relations with each side. Applying the tools of neorealism to the analysis of China's strategy toward the de facto states of the post-Soviet space we concluded that the gradual and implicit promotion of Chinese interests in the de facto post-Soviet republics is part of China's global approach.