An analysis of the changing dynamics of Sino-Russian relations in Central Asia

This paper analyses China’s growing presence in Central Asia and its consequences on Sino-Russian bilateral relations. Global leading economic powers are establishing relations with Central Asian states and are actively investing in the trade and energy sector. China is becoming an influential external actor due to its energy and security interests linked to this region as it will decrease Chinese dependence on Middle East for its energy needs. Russia has been considering Central Asia as important domain of its great power and never allowed any other state to replace its hegemony in Central Asia. Though China and Russia have witnessed a bitter past but now cooperating for their mutual interests in Central Asia. This paper aims to provide a historical perspective of Sino-Russian relations and an analysis of current engagement of China and Russia in Central Asia through the lens of neorealism. The methodology used in the research paper is secondary resources as the information has been gathered from books, articles, newspapers, websites, blogs, etc. The paper suggests that despite the Sino-Russian collision of interests in Central Asia, both major powers will continue to maintain peaceful co-existence to ensure economic development, peace, and prosperity in this region of the world.