Hindu Editorial Analaysis : 2-June-2023

In recent news, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province. This historic event brought together the leaders of China and five Central Asian countries. During the summit, they jointly signed the ‘Xi’an Declaration’ and issued a blueprint for the future development of China-Central Asia relations. The summit focused on various aspects, including the Belt and Road cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, the ‘Cultural Silk Road’ program, and regional security concerns related to terrorism and extremism.

China’s Growing Interest in Central Asia

China’s interest in the Central Asian region has been rapidly growing. Central Asia serves as a ready-made market for China’s affordable exports and provides overland access to markets in Europe and West Asia. The summit’s significance goes beyond bilateral relations, as it is expected to have far-reaching implications for China’s relations with Central Asian countries and carry global significance.

Approach of Central Asian Countries

The Central Asian countries, as former Soviet republics, intend to maintain a balanced regional and international engagement. They have successfully implemented a multi-vectored foreign policy that extends beyond the traditional Russia-China axis. For instance:

  1. Turkmenistan’s Foreign Policy: Turkmenistan’s foreign policy has been based on its official status of ‘neutrality’ since gaining independence in 1991. The country will continue to prioritize good neighborliness, equality, and mutually beneficial cooperation with all nations.
  2. Uzbekistan’s Priorities: Regional security in Central Asia, including the situation in Afghanistan, is the main priority of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. The country also focuses on relations with various countries and organizations, including CIS member-states, Russia, China, the United States, the European Union (EU), and others.
  3. Kyrgyzstan’s Concerns: Economic and security concerns have played a decisive role in shaping Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy strategies since its independence.
  4. Tajikistan’s Policy: Tajikistan follows an ‘open doors’ and peace-seeking policy, indicating its readiness to build friendly relations with all countries based on mutual respect and equality.
Implications for Central Asia and Beyond

The foreign policy trajectories of Central Asian countries highlight their common characteristic of multi-vectorism. This pragmatic approach has proven beneficial, as it allows them to maintain friendly ties with multiple players, including Russia. The Central Asian republics’ successful implementation of this approach could serve as an example for other post-Soviet countries, such as Georgia and Moldova. However, some view the China-Central Asia Summit as a testament to China’s expanding influence in the region, posing a challenge to Russia’s ambitions.

India’s Position in the Region

India has been actively engaging with Central Asia and made significant outreach efforts through previous summits. However, its relationships in the region, including within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), remain primarily security-driven. Although India has trading ties with Central Asian countries, it faces obstacles due to the absence of a direct land route, with Pakistan denying passage and uncertainty in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover. While the Chabahar port in Iran offers an alternative route, it is not yet fully developed. Suggestions have been made for India to provide connectivity for people and trade in Central Asia through “air corridors,” as it has done for Afghanistan.

Why In News

Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping successfully led the landmark China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, establishing a new era of regional cooperation and fostering stronger diplomatic ties between China and Central Asian nations. During the summit, President Xi emphasized the importance of mutual development, shared prosperity, and cultural exchanges, paving the way for enhanced economic partnerships and a brighter future for the region.

MCQs about China-Central Asia Summit

  1. What was the main focus of the China-Central Asia Summit?
    A. Economic cooperation
    B. Cultural exchanges
    C. Regional security
    D. Counter-terrorism efforts
    Correct Answer: C. Regional security
    Explanation: The one of the key focuses of the summit was regional security in Central Asia, including discussions on issues related to terrorism and extremism.
  2. Which country’s foreign policy is based on the principle of neutrality?
    A. Uzbekistan
    B. Turkmenistan
    C. Kyrgyzstan
    D. Tajikistan
    Correct Answer: B. Turkmenistan
    Explanation: Turkmenistan’s foreign policy has been based on its official status of ‘neutrality’ since its independence in 1991.
  3. What is the common characteristic of Central Asian countries’ foreign policy trajectories?
    A. Neutrality
    B. Multi-vectorism
    C. Security-driven
    D. Balancing regional engagements
    Correct Answer: B. Multi-vectorism
    Explanation: The Central Asian countries have successfully implemented a multi-vectored foreign policy, which extends beyond the traditional Russia-China axis.
  4. What challenges does India face in its engagement with Central Asia?
    A. Lack of trading ties
    B. Security-driven relationships
    C. Absence of a direct land route
    D. Political instability in Central Asia
    Correct Answer: C. Absence of a direct land route
    Explanation: India’s engagement with Central Asia is hindered by the absence of a land route, as Pakistan denies passage and the situation in Afghanistan remains uncertain after the Taliban takeover.

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