Chinese President, Xi Jinping, has launched a strategic plan for cooperation with Central Asia in the areas of security and defence. This is traditionally seen as Russia’s sphere of influence, and Moscow is currently preoccupied with the crisis in Ukraine. Central Asia is seen by Beijing as vital to the security of its the Xinjiang region, a politically sensitive area where repression of the Muslim Uighur population has been heavily criticised. The region is also a source of land-based energy imports and trade with Europe. Xi’s plan involves an increased level of involvement in external national affairs, which could potentially lead to China acting as a peacekeeper. Investments in finance, energy and transport logistics have also been pledged, although detailed plans are yet to be provided. Due to their concern over western governments backing pro-democracy movements through COLOUR REVOLUTIONS, Russia and China regard Central Asia as a region that requires their help in maintaining security.
In Xi’an, China’s Xi Calls for a ‘Shared Future’ With Central Asia
Diplomat
23-05-19 12:48
Leaders from China and all five Central Asia nations met in Xi’an, marking the third summit of its kind since 2020, and constructed a grand vision for China's growing relationship with Central Asia. The Xi’an Declaration outlines 15 points, from formalising summits to cooperation in energy, technology and culture, as well as issues related to sovereignty and territorial integrity. China's presence in Central Asia, while still in second place to Russia, is increasingly significant and shows no sign of slowing down. The next summit in 2025 will be hosted by Kazakhstan.
China has promised billions of dollars in "financing support and free assistance" to five Central Asian countries, boosting trade, infrastructure and technology investment and including visa-free travel arrangements. Speaking at the two-day China-Central Asia Summit in Xi'an, China's President Xi Jinping presented himself as a reliable partner to nations which were formerly part of the Soviet Union, while emphasising the importance of safeguarding their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Those countries attending the summit included Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, which have been increasingly concerned over Russian efforts to regain control of Ukraine.
China's President Xi Jinping has unveiled a grand plan for Central Asia's development, accentuating a leadership role in Russia's political sphere of influence. China is offering a contrast to the negative image the country has been broadcasted at the Group of Seven summit this week, as well as a counterweight to US accusations of China's coercive diplomacy. The pledges of support and co-operation at the summit will highlight China's ambition to operate as a leader in the war for political influence and energy assets in Central Asia, with Russia distracted by its war in Ukraine and the US withdrawal from Afghanistan impacting the West's presence in the region.
Leaders of the G7 countries pledged to face Russia’s “illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine” and reassured their support for Ukraine will “not waver”. The countries agreed to tighten sanctions and export controls targeting Moscow, including restrictions on exports of industrial machinery, tools and technology that could be useful to Russia’s war effort and limiting Russian revenues from trade in metals and diamonds. Meanwhile, G7 leaders also called for a “world without nuclear weapons,” urging Russia, Iran, China and North Korea to cease nuclear escalation and embrace non-proliferation.
As the world waits for Ukraine’s spring offensive against Russia, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been on a diplomatic tour, visiting Germany, France, Italy, the Vatican, and Britain. Recently, Zelenskyy travelled to Saudi Arabia to meet Arab leaders and secure their support. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, is facing significant international isolation amidst the International Criminal Court arrest warrant that hangs over his head, with his travel prospects dwindling including to Moscow alliances. Putin's invasion of Ukraine made him an international pariah, and many now speculate Ukraine may take its turn in the spotlight. Although conflicting information arose as to whether Zelenskyy would attend the G7 summit in Japan, it would be of significant geopolitical and symbolic significance for Ukraine. European leaders promised Ukraine missiles, tanks, and drones while the conversation of getting fighter jets continues. Zelenskyy's appearance at the Arab League summit in Jeddah highlighted Ukraine's struggle for support, even in countries whose alliances are with Moscow. It is the beginning of a larger shift in perception that could translate into potential support for Ukraine.
Xi Jinping has welcomed the presidents of five Central Asian countries to discuss strategic economic and security ties. Whilst the Group of Seven met in Hiroshima to develop a plan to curb China’s destabilising effect on the current global order, China invited the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as a show of solidarity. The two-day summit focused on expanding trade, economic ties and energy cooperation, using their historical ties as a base. This comes as the relationship between China and western powers is under strain over various issues including the South China Sea. With European sanctions and secondary Western sanctions on Russia and central Asian countries, the region has been looking for alternative partners.
The US has introduced new sanctions targeting hundreds of entities in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East, including China. Three mainland China entities and five Hong Kong-based enterprises were named among those under scrutiny as part of a coordinated Group of Seven drive to hamper Russia's ability to pursue its war against Ukraine. Sanctions covered Russia’s defence, technology, energy and metals and mining sectors, and also targeted parties linked to sanctions circumvention and evasion. The measures were designed to follow up on commitments made at the G7 leaders’ summit in Japan.
Leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have warned China and North Korea about their nuclear arsenals as they focus on the major northeast Asian crises ahead of the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the summit later on Saturday. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that President Joe Biden and Zelensky would have face-to-face talks at the summit, a day after Biden supported training Ukrainian pilots on US F-16 fighter jets. The move follows earlier decisions by the US to send rocket launcher systems and Abrams tanks to Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression but discouraged attacks by Ukraine into Russian territory. The focus on Asia comes as Japanese military officials confirmed Zelensky’s decision to attend the G7 in person to participate in talks to influence Ukraine’s defence against Russia. Zelensky called for the supply of Western fighter jets to bolster his country’s defences against Russia’s invasion; the jets could become useful in the long-term security of the country.
Australian man Jason Kennison died on his descent from the peak of Mount Everest on 19 May. Kennison was one of 10 people to die on the mountain during the 2017 climbing season. A former heavy vehicle mechanic with permanent spinal injuries sustained in a 2006 accident, Kennison climbed the mountain to raise money for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia.
Karakalpakstan’s Sovereignty in Mirziyoyev’s Uzbekistan
Diplomat
23-05-22 12:31
Uzbekistan has been accused of suppressing activists who support Karakalpakstan's right to greater autonomy from Uzbekistan. Karakalpakstan is an autonomous region located in the northwest of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan annexed Karakalpakstan from the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936. Uzbekistan is mainly made up of former Soviet republics and national groups, including the Karakalpak people. Karakalpakstan has a history of seeking political autonomy and independence. The conviction and sentencing in absentia of Karakalpak activists, including Aman Sagidullayev, is thought to be part of a crackdown on dissidents, dragging the tide of political discourse backwards since the death of Islam Karimov in 2016 and the rise of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In recent years, many Karakalpaks have fled the country, while others have been arrested and prevented from fleeing.
