China’s growing influence in Central Asia

Daily Times ^ | 10/21/2013 | Atif Shammim Syed

[TexGrill]

The US needs Chinese support in order to keep the post-withdrawal situation in Afghanistan stable. This situation has opened up several prospects for China to increase its influence in Central Asia

Last month, the President of China, Xi Jinping, visited four Central Asian countries before attending the 13th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek. During these visits, Mr Xi discussed plans of mutual cooperation that would bring billions of dollars of investment to the region. The trip is regarded as a Chinese ploy to open up a modern silk road that will serve as the beginning of a new era of economic cooperation between Eurasia and East Asia with China at the helm. The visit also manifests China’s increasing influence in a region that was once dominated by Russia. With its robust Central Asian policy, China is swiftly displacing not only Russia but also the US in a region that, only a decade ago, found itself at the bottom of China’s priority list.

It will be very premature to suggest that the US and Russia have been completely ousted from the region. However, China, at this point in time, is focusing exclusively on mutually beneficial development projects while staying clear of the region’s domestic affairs.

[TexGrill]

Global business tip

[DIRTYSECRET]

Just let them have Afghanistan and call it even. They can occupy the country to protect their assets.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks TexGrill.

China, at this point in time, is focusing exclusively on mutually beneficial development projects while staying clear of the region's domestic affairs.

Those two things are one thing.

[GOPJ]

Thanks