As China and Russia have grown closer in recent years through a deepening political partnership, the two countries’ sometimes competing interests in Central Asia were viewed as a factor that could derail their warming ties.
While Moscow was seen as the main military provider in the region, Beijing’s slow venture into Central Asian security in recent years with unofficial outposts and increased training — combined with rising influence through its multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure project — created a cocktail for increased friction and potential rivalry.
But analysts say China’s and Russia’s handling of violent unrest in their mutual neighbor, Kazakhstan, has pushed the two countries even closer together. It has also highlighted the lengths the two powers are willing to accommodate each other during a fast-moving and high-stakes crisis.
Crisis In Kazakhstan Pushes China, Russia Closer Together (rferl.org)
