The proxy war in Ukraine between Russia and NATO, with geopolitical ramifications around the world, overemphasizes the importance of Central Asia. Recently, the contacts of American, European and British officials with the former Soviet Republics that are “under the influence” of Moscow, but also of China, have become remarkably frequent. The USA and the EU seek to expand their footprint in the South Caucasus, and their intervention in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks was particularly noticeable, attempting to take Russia’s “prime seat”.
Among other things, all of these are areas that can play the role of alternative routes for Energy and goods from Asia to Europe, as Russia is blocked due to the special military operation in Ukraine.
US interventions in Kazakhstan
A particularly rich country in natural resources and more, Kazakhstan has a special role in the new geopolitical conflict. The Americans, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, constantly warn of “the dangers posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine” and repeatedly refer to the US commitment to support the “sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence” of Central Asian countries. Russia carefully observes the activity of the Americans, the Europeans, the British in the area of the former Soviet Republics and actively intervenes.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly pointed out that Western countries “do not hide that they are working there so that these states do not continue to maintain friendly relations with Russia.” “They are told: Take the side of the winner, Russia will fail, so decide in advance,” the head of Russian diplomacy has argued.
Kazakhstan is allied with Russia
Already these states are allied with Russia in various forms, such as in the “defense” pact Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Despite the global shocks, Kazakhstan maintains excellent relations with Russia, which is so important in the world.
Kazakhstan and Russia will continue to cooperate, despite the “shocks” in the world, said on December 9, 2023 the president of the former Soviet republic Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
“Russia is Kazakhstan’s strategic partner. We have the longest land border with Russia in the world. And we have traditions of good cooperation, which must be maintained. And I believe that, despite the shocks on the international stage, we will continue to cooperate,” Tokayev said in an interview with Euronews.
“Russia plays a very important role in the modern world. Some argue that it plays a negative role. Some believe it plays a positive role. However, in general, we must recognize that Russia is extremely important and should cooperate with Kazakhstan, and it does,” he noted. Tokayev commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent “very successful” visit to Astana. Of course, he underlined that Kazakhstan practices a diversified international policy, having excellent relations with China, and partners in Central and Western Europe.
At the same time, Kazakhstan maintains “strategic partnerships with the USA”. All this “fully corresponds to our geographical position, with Kazakhstan being the ninth largest country in the world,” concluded Tokayev.
China is promoting new freight routes
Central Asia has gained increasing strategic importance for China as well as the conflict in Ukraine has squeezed direct supply chain routes between China and the EU. Alternative solutions now require increased investment in Central Asia, with Russia also participating in some of them. China is intensifying efforts to deepen economic and geopolitical relations with these states, to advance investments in strategic infrastructure.
For its part, it began organizing in 2020 the C5+C scheme, a more targeted intervention in the region without Russia – as opposed to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, where both participate. Beijing needs to strengthen the region’s connectivity and ensure the stable operation of China-Europe rail freight. As the former Kazakhstan – Russia rail route to Europe is now cut off, rail freight is now either China – Kazakhstan – Europe or China – Uzbekistan – Turkmenistan to Europe.
