| At present, China is one of the most dynamically developing countries in the world, which inevitably entails change of its role in international relations. High rates of economic growth and active involvement in world economic system resulted in the process of transforming China from a regional leader into one of the leading world powers. Changing status of China’s international arena has attracted researchers to the study of the evolution of China’s foreign policy strategy. While the China’s leaders and Chinese scientists have consistently advocated the concept of "peaceful rise" and "harmonious world" in his foreign policy based on the idea of a peaceful development path countries, many Western scholars see in the growing power China’s threat of expansionist aspirations. In this regard, particularly becomes relevant to study the evolution of foreign policy of China in Central Asia-a region for a long time remaining area of attraction for its energy resources. On the other hand, in contemporary geopolitical affairs Russia has its own place with critical approaches towards its policy. After collapse of Soviet Union, many post-soviet countries still remained dependant on Russia in different ways and the policy Russia implements towards those countries create a new landscape in Eurasia territory and have many factors worth to concern for international relations and balance of global power.Central Asia has been viewed as a geopolitical crossroad for many Great powers who compete for their influence in the region. Regional and global international situation is changing, bringing a new shift in balance of power, which is reforming the external dynamics and bringing new chances for Great powers, increasing the pressures at the same time. After 2014 Ukraine events, Russia reasserted its leading power among post-soviet territories. Going back to 2008 summer, Russia’s military actions towards Georgia as well as were decisive, but did not find much critics as they did in case of Ukraine.People of Central Asia have deep history connections and warm relations with Russia. Russian is still the main language in most of these countries. Society is strongly addicted to Russian TV and Radio. So above mentioned events in post soviet countries make Central Asian states take caution in future foreign relations with Russia. The policy undertaken by Russia in 2014 towards Ukraine comes to show that Moscow needs to reassert its authority in local and international landscape.Relations between China and Russia shape new patterns, especially after several important agreements, signed in 2014 and 2015.The regional cooperation is eventually growing. Actually, Russia’s economy is decreasing; western sanctions had enormous influence on weakening Russia’s economy. In this kind of situation, where Russia needs to firm his hands in Central Asia and China needs to secure his energy demands, and take care of western boundaries security, what the future of China-Russia-Central Asia triangle will be. The main objective of my article is to show how Major Powers depending on global environment and international political shifts, can design their foreign policy with neighboring countries.My dissertation includes 6 chapters. Chapter 1 emphasizes the significance of my research, research design and methodology and theoretical framework. In terms of theoretical framework cooperation nature of China is observed. The term "non-greediness" is the main factor that is observed to give further explanations to China-Russia regional interactions.Chapter 2 gives explanations and details how important Central Asia is for China in political, military and economic aspects. Xinjiang-Uygur region is broadly studied as a security gateway between China and Central Asia. Ethno political connectivity is observed as well.Chapter 3 emphasizes on China-Russia relations discussing recent economic developments, border dispute settlement and regional projects integration. The focus is put on Sino-Russian regional cooperation in framework of SCO and the importance of China for Russia is discussed as well.Chapter 4 is a broad description of China-Central Asia energy resources trade. National oil companies, pipelines, the risks and perspectives are studied in this chapter.Chapter 5 touches upon China’s image in Central Asia, its historical nature and some neighboring policy differences with Russia. This chapter helps us to understand what kind of foreign policy China has driven during its history and what was special about China’s relations with regional actors.Chapter 6 is devoted to China-USA relations. My dissertation and hypothesis have nothing to do with USA policy in Central Asia, but I could not be indifferent to recent China-USA relations shift in Central Asia.My conclusion gives arguments about possible outcomes and future interactions between China and Russia. China’s peaceful rise is shifting from state policy to international perception. |
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