Securitization of Xinjiang Turkic people issue in relations between China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

The purpose of the article is the analysis of the process of Xinjiang Turkic people issue securitization in bilateral relations between China and Kazakhstan as well as China and Kyrgyzstan. In order to secure from the external inducing of potential destabilization in its North-West province Beijing seeks to exert political and economic influence over those two post-Soviet republics. Nur-Sultan and Bishkek avoid any criticizing of Chinese government “de-extremisation” policy in Xinjiang that is targeting ethnic minorities. Instead Kazakhstani and Kyrgyzstani officials opt to support Beijing antiterrorist measures, looking for sustaining benefits from economic cooperation with CPR.Theoretical framework. The survey has been conducted within the asymmetric international relations conception, introduced by Brantly Womack. We argue that in such a state of bilateral relations the securitization process plays a specific role. It compels both actors to grow their political and security interdependence.Methodology. It has been applied an approach that included matching of chronological sequence of the issue with the content analysis of main bilateral political acts adopted by China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan since 1991.Practical implications. The article will be an endowment to the current discourse on international relations and security issues in Central Asia.