Re-Centring Central Asia and the Chinese ‘New Great Game’

Abstract

Central Asia being a heartland of Eurasia has attracted the attention of the Great Powers as it remained an important part of the ‘Great Game’. In the post-Cold War and post-9/11 era, the Central Asian states gained importance due to their proximity to the Caspian Sea and their abundant resources, such as natural gas, oil, and minerals.China, situated in its close geographical proximity, relies on the Central Asian region to fulfil itsincreasing energy demands. Simultaneously, Central Asian states have found China a valuable partner for trade and security cooperation. Economic incentives like the One Belt One Road and the String of Pearls strategy of China engage these states with China as their interests converge from security to economy. This synergy has led China to rely on the Central Asian states to manage non-state actors operating in China's Xinjiang region. China and Central Asian states’ relations highlight the mutual reliance of all parties and create a win-win situation for each other. The increasing Chinese influence in CARs makes Russiasceptical of China’s dominance in the region. This study underscores the collaboration between China and the Central Asian states and also delves into the potential hurdles that could affect this partnership