Russian and Central Asian Views on China’s Belt & Road Initiative

Abstract

In this article, we review and discuss Russian and Central Asian views on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). BRI is considered to be a panacea for multiple problems of China such as the Xinjiang issue, economic slowdown, excess capacity etc. In this context, Chinese principle of non-interference is increasingly questioned as it is hard to separate economical, geopolitical and security dimensions. Russian influence over Central Asia is expected to wane due to BRI projects which may cause Sino- Russian conflicts. On the other hand, Russian isolation after the Ukrainian crisis makes Russia to consider BRI in amicable terms. Central Asian official views on BRI are mostly positive, although local peoples’ objections involving social and environmental impacts are noteworthy. Since the region is landlocked, the prospects are high. However, rather than earning transit revenues only, the regional states are in expectation of Chinese investments in other business areas. Central Asia is far from the goal of regional integration. Border disputes, water scarcity, intra-regional mistrust etc. are divisive enough to prevent the region to act in a coordinated manner with regard to BRI. China, on this occasion, appears to be the major force to integrate the region.