The Impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine on Russian and Chinese Foreign Policy in Central Asia

The Russian invasion of Ukraine created shock waves throughout Central Asia. This article examines the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the position of Russia and China in the region. I argue that the repercussions of the war have paradoxically acted both to strengthen and to weaken the ties of Russia to Central Asia. The war has, albeit to varying degrees, served to benefit the Central Asian states in the economic realm, while simultaneously eroding the extent of trust and general level of affirmation previously accorded to Russia. The Chinese political leadership has looked upon the emerging consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war as an opportunity to strengthen its ties with the Central Asian political elites, who have become increasingly receptive to China as a means of distancing themselves from Russia.