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Opinion | The battle for influence in Central Asia
- Central Asia is increasingly a hotbed for competing interests as the US and Europe target a region where Russia and China traditionally hold considerable sway
- Given the tense relations between global powers, a zero-sum outcome that complicates diplomacy is likely
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Central Asia is becoming a battleground for competing interests once again. Nations in the region are important members of China’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative, and Beijing has invested heavily in Central Asia.
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During last month’s UN General Assembly, meanwhile, US President Joe Biden held meetings with heads of state from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which are all members of the C5 group.
These meetings have set the agenda for future relationships, emphasising the preservation of sovereignty and independence, as enshrined in the UN Charter. Regional issues were discussed, with a focus on finding regional solutions.
The discussions supported the initiation of new trade corridors and energy distribution, with promised increased infrastructure investments from the United States. Washington is also keen to start dialogue with Central Asian countries on mineral security.
Another significant development was the recent Central and South Asia Chiefs of Defence Conference, held in Uzbekistan, involving Pakistan, Central Asian states and the commander of US Central Command. This meeting addressed counterterrorism, regional stability and humanitarian aid, with the US adopting a regional approach to security challenges.
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The US ambassador to Pakistan’s visit to Gwadar Port on September 12, meanwhile, signified increased American interest in Central Asia. While the US has historically invested in humanitarian aid in Balochistan province, this visit was unprecedented.
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