Comparison of the Economic Relations of Russia and China with Central Asian Countries

Abstract

Central Asia (CA) is one of the key regions in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation (RF) and the People Republic of China (PRC). The interaction of the countries of CA with RF and PRC, the Russian and Chinese involvement in the affairs of the region have inherent characteristics. The significance of the region and its specific states for Russia and China differ, as well as the nature of the relationship of this large group of actors with each other and the rest of the world. This paper analyzes the main directions of the relations of CA with the RF and PRC using an integrated, systemic, comparative-comparative and interdisciplinary approaches. Authors note, that the economic relations of the countries of region with Russia and China are diverse, multi-dimensional and multi-format. They identify and discuss the following key issues: (1) economic and geographical isolation of Central Asia, as well as a number of territories of Russia and China; (2) raw-resource orientation of most economies of the region; (3) weak economic integration in CA, as well as within the framework of concrete key institutions; (4) asymmetry of economic development of Russia and China. It is indicated that it is precisely the solution of strategic tasks that can and should become the main incentive for building mechanisms of multifaceted and full-fledged cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels, not only between Central Asia and China, but also between Central Asia and the Russia. This should facilitate the process of regional and interregional economic integration in the interior of the continent to a qualitatively new level, initiate the formation of sustainable institutional framework designed to ensure integrated security (economic, political, social and other) and the progressive development of Eurasia.