Russia is losing control over Central Asia

Russia’s top diplomat has expressed enthusiastic acceptance of expanding US involvement in improving Central Asia’s trade infrastructure. But he curiously avoided commenting on China’s growing economic influence in the region.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during a question-and-answer session with students at Moscow’s MGIMO University in early September, RECORDED that “a growing number of extra-regional actors”, including the United States, have taken an interest in promoting trade through the so-called Middle Corridor, a route linking Asia to Europe via Central Asia, thereby bypassing Russia.

Increased US interest in the economic future of Central Asia is far from a welcome development for Russia, but Lavrov offered a measured assessment during his appearance at MGIMO. He stressed that Russia maintains “warm and allied” relations with the Central Asian nations, which are linked to Russia economically and strategically through a number of agreements, including the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Commonwealth of Nations Independent. Then he admitted that Russia “cannot prevent anyone from creating closer ties with other partners.”

At the same time, Lavrov could not refrain from taking a swipe at the United States, saying that the motives of American officials in Central Asia are not noble. “When our partners and allies in Central Asia expand their relations with the West, I have no doubt that they fully understand that, in addition to pursuing its noble and transparent goals, the West also seeks to undermine the influence of the Russian Federation there,” he said Lavrov before launching into a non-sequitur.

“Why has the United States suddenly expressed concern about Russia’s relations with Nicaragua? This seemed to come out of nowhere,” he said. “They use any pretext to express their exaggerated concerns as long as there is a Russian presence.”

US engagement with Central Asia takes place in a framework called process B5+1which encourages Western investment by encouraging intra-regional trickle-down reforms trade barriers and the systematization of customs procedures. In recent months, Central Asian states have concluded a flock of bilateral agreements for better regulation of trade. Washington also helped individual states make infrastructure upgrades.

In August, for example, the United States provided Kazakhstan Customs Service with Advanced Servers Dell Technologies Inc. to help streamline border procedures. “Adopting innovative technologies will streamline processes, increase accuracy, transparency and promote a business-friendly environment, attracting more investors and stimulating economic growth,” said US Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum. statement.

The Russian-Ukrainian war limits the Kremlin’s ability to pressure Central Asian states to comply with its wishes. Russia currently relies heavily on back trade through Central Asia to avoid sanctions and obtain the goods needed to sustain their war effort in Ukraine.

China uses Central Asia for funnel so-called dual-use technologies to Russia. And in a broader sense, China eclipsed Russia is the main trading partner for the Central Asian states. In his MGIMO comments, Lavrov called China “a reliable partner.” And when he listed all the countries active in developing trade and diplomatic ties in the region, he completely omitted to mention China as a player in Central Asia’s emerging great trade game.

Of Eurasianet.org

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