The Influence of China in Central Asia: Examining Geostrategic orientations

Aktuigun Pazylova

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Central Asia plays an important role in China’s “New Great Game”. China’s focus on the region dictated by challenges of the modern world such as security threats, shortage of natural resources, and intensification of the international community regarding Human Rights protection. Central Asia as an unstable region is not in a position for equal partnership with China. The Xinjiang issue of China is the main deterrent of improved cooperation between China and Central Asia. This provides grounds for China to increase its geostrategic influence in the region via economic expansion. By employing mainly the theories of geopolitics, this thesis aims to illustrate how possibly China’s geostrategy affects political and socio-economic situations in the Central Asian states. With discourse analysis focused on explaining the Chinese perception of itself and the world, its intention and goal, I argue that China’s influence in Central Asia could result in unfavorable scenario for both.

Abstract:

Central Asia plays an important role in China’s “New Great Game”. China’s focus on the region dictated by challenges of the modern world such as security threats, shortage of natural resources, and intensification of the international community regarding Human Rights protection. Central Asia as an unstable region is not in a position for equal partnership with China. The Xinjiang issue of China is the main deterrent of improved cooperation between China and Central Asia. This provides grounds for China to increase its geostrategic influence in the region via economic expansion. By employing mainly the theories of geopolitics, this thesis aims to illustrate how possibly China’s geostrategy affects political and socio-economic situations in the Central Asian states. With discourse analysis focused on explaining the Chinese perception of itself and the world, its intention and goal, I argue that China’s influence in Central Asia could result in unfavorable scenario for both.

Keywords

China, Central Asia, Xinjiang issue, Theory of geopolitics

Keywords

Central Asia, Xinjiang issue, China, Theory of geopolitics

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 19. 9. 2018

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 22. 1. 2020
• Supervisor: Jeremy Alan Garlick
• Reader: Gaziza Shakhanova

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Mezinárodní ekonomické vztahy / International and Diplomatic Studies