CHINESE INFLUENCE ON SECURITY OF CENTRAL ASIA
Year 2025,
Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 100 - 118, 30.06.2025
Selcen Gulce Cavus
Abstract
Focusing on China's primarily defensive posture in reaction to regional instability and its internal issues in Xinjiang, this essay analyses China's security policy and strategic engagement in Central Asia. The paper examines Beijing's efforts to keep terrorism, separatism, and transnational crime from destabilising Central Asia and its western frontiers by analysing its bilateral and multilateral activities, particularly its participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The study emphasises the region's geopolitical relevance, which is influenced by resource richness, domestic political unrest, ethnic tensions, and the overlapping interests of large countries. The report concludes that China's involvement in Central Asia is founded on maintaining economic opportunity and regional stability rather than establishing hegemonic authority, altering conventional security paradigms through cooperative rather than coercive tactics.
Ethical Statement
All data and sources included in this study have been collected, analyzed and presented within the framework of academic ethical rules. As the author(s), we declare the following:
1) Our study does not contain any actions contrary to scientific research and publication ethics (plagiarism, forgery, distortion, re-publication, slicing, unfair authorship, etc.).
2) The article is original and has not been previously submitted to any journal and has not been simultaneously submitted for evaluation elsewhere.
3) All sources used in the study have been properly cited and indicated.
4) No methods requiring ethics committee approval, such as human or animal experiments, surveys, interviews, etc., have been used.
5) The study does not contain any conflict of interest.
We accept the accuracy of our statements above and declare that we take responsibility within the framework of ethical principles.
Supporting Institution
Ghent University
Thanks
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the preparation of this article. I am especially grateful to my advisors and experts in the field who guided me with their valuable contributions. I would also like to thank the editors and referees of the journal for their feedback on my work. Your support for the publication process of my article means a lot.
Best regards,
Selcen Gulce Cavus
References
- Aben, D. (2019). Regional security in Central Asia: Addressing existing and potential threats and challenges. Eurasian Research Journal.
- Ari, T. (2008). Orta Asya’da güvenlik sorunları ve işbirliği girişimleri. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329190478
- Ashurov, S., Othman, A. H., Bin Rosman, R., & Bin Haron, R. (2020). The determinants of foreign direct investment in Central Asian region: A case study of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (a quantitative analysis using GMM). Russian Journal of Economics, 6(2), 162–176.
- Aydin, A. (2015). Orta Asya’da güvenlik ve iş birliği. Journal of Turkish Studies, 11(1), 145–165. https://doi.org/10.7827/turkishstudies.9043
- Berdiyev, A., & Can, N. (2020). The importance of Central Asia in China’s foreign policy and Beijing’s Soft Power Instruments. Central Asia and The Caucasus, 21(4), 015–024. https://doi.org/10.37178/ca-c.20.4.02
- Berker, M., & Abdulkerimov, B. (2022). Border disputes of Central Asian countries were inherited from the Soviets. Anadolu Ajansı. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/border-disputes-of-central-asian-countries-inherited-from-soviets/2687809#
- Beydullah, M. (2019). Experiences of Uyghur migration to Turkey and the United States: Issues of religion, law, society, residence, and Citizenship. Migration and Islamic Ethics, 174–195.
https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004417342_011
- Blagov, S. (2002). Russia, China, and Border Disputes in Central Asia. Eurasianet.
- Britannica. (2022, December 9). Central Asia. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Central-Asia
- Central Intelligence Agency. (n.d.). The World Factbook. Retrieved April 20, 2025, from https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
- Colin Mackerras (2014) Xinjiang in 2013: problems and prospects, Asian Ethnicity,
15:2, 247-250, DOI: 10.1080/14631369.2013.860788
- Cooley, A. (2019). Great Games, Local Rules: The New Great Power Contest in Central Asia. Oxford University Press.
- Dadabaev, T. (2014). Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) regional identity formation from the perspective of the Central Asia states. Journal of Contemporary China, 23(85), 102–118. https://doi.org/10.1080/10670564.2013.809982
- Duran, H., & Purevsuren, N. (2016). Güvenlik, enerji ve pazar ekseninde Çin’in Orta Asya politikası. Dumlupınar University Journal of Social Sciences, (46), 281–294.
- Economist Intelligence Unit. (2024). Democracy index 2024. Retrieved from https://www.eiu.com/n/campaigns/democracy-index-2024/
- Ekrem, E. (2011). Çin’in Orta Asya politikaları. Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Uluslararası Türk-Kazak Üniversitesi. https://doi.org/978-9944-237-05-5
- Free World Maps. (n.d.). Central Asia physical map. Retrieved April 20, 2025, from https://www.freeworldmaps.net/asia/central/physical.html
- Hung, M. T., & Herman, F. (2013). China in Central Asia: Harmonizing Mackinder’s heartland. Education About Asia, 18(3), 24–28.
- Kassenova, Negiz (2009). China as an Emerging Donor in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Russia/NIS Center IFRI, p. 1-29, ISBN:978-2-86592-430-1
- Kavalski, E. (2010). The new Central Asia: The regional impact of international actors. World Scientific.
Kerr, D., & Swinton, L. C. (2008). China, Xinjiang, and the transnational security of Central Asia. Critical Asian Studies, 40(1), 89–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/14672710801959174
- Larin, A. G. (2011). China’s Presence in Central Asia: Historical and Modern Perspectives. Russian Analytical Digest.
- Laruelle, M. (2020). China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Its Impact on Central Asia. The Jamestown Foundation.
Laruelle, M., & Peyrouse, S. (2012). The Chinese Question in Central Asia: Domestic Order, Social Change, and the Chinese Factor. Hurst & Company.
- Millward, J. A. (2007). Eurasian Crossroads: A History of Xinjiang. Columbia University Press
Musaoglu, N. (2009). Orta Asya Cumhuriyetlerinde dil, ulusal kimlik ve milliyetçilik. DergiPark. Retrieved from https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/321664
- Nourzhanov, K. (2009). Changing security threat perceptions in Central Asia. Australian Journal of International Affairs, 63(1), 85–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357710802666133
- Olcott, M. B. (2000). Democracy in the Central Asian republics. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved from https://carnegieendowment.org/2000/04/01/democracy-in-central-asian-republics-pub-400
- Ong, R. (2005). China’s security interests in Central Asia. Central Asian Survey, 24(4), 425–439. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634930500453566
- Omurova, J., Sharshembieva, T., & Sharshenbek, kyzy A. (2024). Investment activity of the PRC in the Kyrgyz Republic. World Economy and International Relations, 68(4), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.20542/0131-2227-2024-68-4-77-86
- Pannier, B. (2020, September 23). Why are Central Asian countries silent about China's Uyghurs? Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. https://www.rferl.org/a/why-are-central-asian-countries-silent-about-china-s-uyghurs-/30852452.html
- Peimani, H. (2009). Conflict and security in Central Asia and the Caucasus. ABC-CLIO.
- Peyrouse, S. (2016). Military cooperation between China and Central Asia: Breakthrough, limits, and prospects. The Jamestown Foundation. https://jamestown.org/program/military-cooperation-between-china-and-central-asia-breakthrough-limits-and-prospects/
- Peyrouse, S., Boonstra, J., & Laruelle, M. (2012, May). Security and development approaches to Central Asia: The EU compared to other actors. EUCAM.
https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/143266/WP11_Security_development_approaches_Central_Asia.pdf
- Primiano, C. B., Rice, D., & Kudebayeva, A. (2022). Perceptions of China in Central Asia: Findings from an elite university in Bishkek. Asian Journal of Comparative Politics, 7(4), 957–970.
https://doi.org/10.1177/20578911211070870
- Rauf, S. (2017). Changing geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia: Causes and effects. Strategic Studies, 37(4), 149–166. https://doi.org/10.53532/ss.037.04.00203
- Scobell, A., Ratner, E., & Beckley, M. (2014). China’s strategy toward South and Central Asia: An empty fortress (RAND Corporation). https://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1258.html
- Schichor, Y. (2005). Blow up: Internal and external challenges of Uyghur separatism and Islamic radicalism to Chinese rule in Xinjiang. Asian Affairs: An American Review, 32(2), 119–136. https://doi.org/10.3200/AAFS.32.2.119-136
- Smith, D. R., Sinor, D., Hambly, G. R. G., & Allworth, E. (2021, November 15). History of Central Asia. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-Central-Asia-102306
- Somzhurek, B. Z., Yessengaliyeva, A. M., Medeubayeva, Z. M., & Makangali, B. K. (2018). Central Asia and regional security. Communist and Post-Communist Studies, 51(2), 161–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postcomstud.2018.04.005
- Staff, E. E. (2021, February 3). Central & Eastern Europe, Central Asia remain without a ‘full democracy’. Emerging Europe. https://emerging-europe.com/news/cee-central-asia-still-lack-full-democracy/
- Wilson, J. (2022, November 12). Central Asia: Core and periphery. GeoHistory. https://geohistory.today/central-asia/
- Zhuangzhi, S. (2007). The relationship between China and Central Asia. Retrieved from https://src-h.slav.hokudai.ac.jp/coe21/publish/no16_1_ses/03_zhuangzhi.pdf
- Zhao, Hongqin, and Huang Jianbin, 2010, China’s policy of Chinese as a foreign language and the use of overseas Confucius Institutes, Educ Res Policy Prac 9, pp. 127–142,
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%252Fs10671-009-9078-1
ÇİN'İN ORTA ASYA'NIN GÜVENLİĞİNE ETKİSİ
Year 2025,
Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 100 - 118, 30.06.2025
Selcen Gulce Cavus
Abstract
Çin'in bölgesel istikrarsızlığa tepki olarak esas olarak savunmacı duruşuna ve Sincan'daki iç meselelerine odaklanan bu makale, Çin'in Orta Asya'daki güvenlik politikasını ve stratejik katılımını analiz ediyor. Makale, Pekin'in özellikle Şanghay İşbirliği Örgütü'ne (ŞİÖ) katılımı olmak üzere ikili ve çok taraflı faaliyetlerini analiz ederek terörizm, ayrılıkçılık ve ulusötesi suçun Orta Asya'yı ve batı sınırlarını istikrarsızlaştırmasını önleme çabalarını inceliyor. Çalışma, kaynak zenginliği, iç siyasi huzursuzluk, etnik gerginlikler ve büyük ülkelerin örtüşen çıkarlarından etkilenen bölgenin jeopolitik önemini vurguluyor. Rapor, Çin'in Orta Asya'daki katılımının, hegemonik otorite kurmaktan ziyade ekonomik fırsatları ve bölgesel istikrarı korumaya, zorlayıcı taktikler yerine işbirlikçi taktikler yoluyla geleneksel güvenlik paradigmalarını değiştirmeye dayandığı sonucuna varıyor.
Ethical Statement
Bu çalışmada yer alan tüm veriler ve kaynaklar akademik etik kuralları çerçevesinde toplanmış, analiz edilmiş ve sunulmuştur. Yazar(lar) olarak aşağıdaki hususları beyan ederiz:
1)Çalışmamızda bilimsel araştırma ve yayın etiğine aykırı herhangi bir eylem (intihal, sahtecilik, çarpıtma, tekrar yayın, dilimleme, haksız yazarlık vb.) yer almamaktadır.
2)Makale orijinal olup daha önce herhangi bir dergiye gönderilmemiştir ve eş zamanlı olarak başka bir yerde değerlendirmeye sunulmamıştır.
3)Çalışmada kullanılan tüm kaynaklar uygun şekilde atıf yapılarak belirtilmiştir.
4)İnsan ya da hayvan deneyi, anket, mülakat vb. etik kurul izni gerektiren herhangi bir yöntem kullanılmamıştır.
5)Çalışma herhangi bir çıkar çatışması (conflict of interest) içermemektedir.
Yukarıdaki beyanlarımızın doğruluğunu kabul eder, etik ilkeler çerçevesinde sorumluluğu üzerimize aldığımızı bildiririz.
Supporting Institution
Ghent Univeristy
Thanks
Bu makalenin hazırlanmasına katkıda bulunan herkese teşekkür etmek istiyorum. Özellikle değerli katkılarıyla bana rehberlik eden danışmanlarıma ve alan uzmanlarına minnettarım. Ayrıca derginin editörlerine ve hakemlerine çalışmalarımla ilgili geri bildirimleri için teşekkür etmek istiyorum. Makalemin yayınlanma sürecine verdiğiniz destek benim için çok şey ifade ediyor.
Saygılarımla,
Selcen Gülce Çavuş
References
- Aben, D. (2019). Regional security in Central Asia: Addressing existing and potential threats and challenges. Eurasian Research Journal.
- Ari, T. (2008). Orta Asya’da güvenlik sorunları ve işbirliği girişimleri. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329190478
- Ashurov, S., Othman, A. H., Bin Rosman, R., & Bin Haron, R. (2020). The determinants of foreign direct investment in Central Asian region: A case study of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (a quantitative analysis using GMM). Russian Journal of Economics, 6(2), 162–176.
- Aydin, A. (2015). Orta Asya’da güvenlik ve iş birliği. Journal of Turkish Studies, 11(1), 145–165. https://doi.org/10.7827/turkishstudies.9043
- Berdiyev, A., & Can, N. (2020). The importance of Central Asia in China’s foreign policy and Beijing’s Soft Power Instruments. Central Asia and The Caucasus, 21(4), 015–024. https://doi.org/10.37178/ca-c.20.4.02
- Berker, M., & Abdulkerimov, B. (2022). Border disputes of Central Asian countries were inherited from the Soviets. Anadolu Ajansı. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/border-disputes-of-central-asian-countries-inherited-from-soviets/2687809#
- Beydullah, M. (2019). Experiences of Uyghur migration to Turkey and the United States: Issues of religion, law, society, residence, and Citizenship. Migration and Islamic Ethics, 174–195.
https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004417342_011
- Blagov, S. (2002). Russia, China, and Border Disputes in Central Asia. Eurasianet.
- Britannica. (2022, December 9). Central Asia. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Central-Asia
- Central Intelligence Agency. (n.d.). The World Factbook. Retrieved April 20, 2025, from https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
- Colin Mackerras (2014) Xinjiang in 2013: problems and prospects, Asian Ethnicity,
15:2, 247-250, DOI: 10.1080/14631369.2013.860788
- Cooley, A. (2019). Great Games, Local Rules: The New Great Power Contest in Central Asia. Oxford University Press.
- Dadabaev, T. (2014). Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) regional identity formation from the perspective of the Central Asia states. Journal of Contemporary China, 23(85), 102–118. https://doi.org/10.1080/10670564.2013.809982
- Duran, H., & Purevsuren, N. (2016). Güvenlik, enerji ve pazar ekseninde Çin’in Orta Asya politikası. Dumlupınar University Journal of Social Sciences, (46), 281–294.
- Economist Intelligence Unit. (2024). Democracy index 2024. Retrieved from https://www.eiu.com/n/campaigns/democracy-index-2024/
- Ekrem, E. (2011). Çin’in Orta Asya politikaları. Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Uluslararası Türk-Kazak Üniversitesi. https://doi.org/978-9944-237-05-5
- Free World Maps. (n.d.). Central Asia physical map. Retrieved April 20, 2025, from https://www.freeworldmaps.net/asia/central/physical.html
- Hung, M. T., & Herman, F. (2013). China in Central Asia: Harmonizing Mackinder’s heartland. Education About Asia, 18(3), 24–28.
- Kassenova, Negiz (2009). China as an Emerging Donor in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Russia/NIS Center IFRI, p. 1-29, ISBN:978-2-86592-430-1
- Kavalski, E. (2010). The new Central Asia: The regional impact of international actors. World Scientific.
Kerr, D., & Swinton, L. C. (2008). China, Xinjiang, and the transnational security of Central Asia. Critical Asian Studies, 40(1), 89–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/14672710801959174
- Larin, A. G. (2011). China’s Presence in Central Asia: Historical and Modern Perspectives. Russian Analytical Digest.
- Laruelle, M. (2020). China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Its Impact on Central Asia. The Jamestown Foundation.
Laruelle, M., & Peyrouse, S. (2012). The Chinese Question in Central Asia: Domestic Order, Social Change, and the Chinese Factor. Hurst & Company.
- Millward, J. A. (2007). Eurasian Crossroads: A History of Xinjiang. Columbia University Press
Musaoglu, N. (2009). Orta Asya Cumhuriyetlerinde dil, ulusal kimlik ve milliyetçilik. DergiPark. Retrieved from https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/321664
- Nourzhanov, K. (2009). Changing security threat perceptions in Central Asia. Australian Journal of International Affairs, 63(1), 85–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357710802666133
- Olcott, M. B. (2000). Democracy in the Central Asian republics. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved from https://carnegieendowment.org/2000/04/01/democracy-in-central-asian-republics-pub-400
- Ong, R. (2005). China’s security interests in Central Asia. Central Asian Survey, 24(4), 425–439. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634930500453566
- Omurova, J., Sharshembieva, T., & Sharshenbek, kyzy A. (2024). Investment activity of the PRC in the Kyrgyz Republic. World Economy and International Relations, 68(4), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.20542/0131-2227-2024-68-4-77-86
- Pannier, B. (2020, September 23). Why are Central Asian countries silent about China's Uyghurs? Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. https://www.rferl.org/a/why-are-central-asian-countries-silent-about-china-s-uyghurs-/30852452.html
- Peimani, H. (2009). Conflict and security in Central Asia and the Caucasus. ABC-CLIO.
- Peyrouse, S. (2016). Military cooperation between China and Central Asia: Breakthrough, limits, and prospects. The Jamestown Foundation. https://jamestown.org/program/military-cooperation-between-china-and-central-asia-breakthrough-limits-and-prospects/
- Peyrouse, S., Boonstra, J., & Laruelle, M. (2012, May). Security and development approaches to Central Asia: The EU compared to other actors. EUCAM.
https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/143266/WP11_Security_development_approaches_Central_Asia.pdf
- Primiano, C. B., Rice, D., & Kudebayeva, A. (2022). Perceptions of China in Central Asia: Findings from an elite university in Bishkek. Asian Journal of Comparative Politics, 7(4), 957–970.
https://doi.org/10.1177/20578911211070870
- Rauf, S. (2017). Changing geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia: Causes and effects. Strategic Studies, 37(4), 149–166. https://doi.org/10.53532/ss.037.04.00203
- Scobell, A., Ratner, E., & Beckley, M. (2014). China’s strategy toward South and Central Asia: An empty fortress (RAND Corporation). https://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1258.html
- Schichor, Y. (2005). Blow up: Internal and external challenges of Uyghur separatism and Islamic radicalism to Chinese rule in Xinjiang. Asian Affairs: An American Review, 32(2), 119–136. https://doi.org/10.3200/AAFS.32.2.119-136
- Smith, D. R., Sinor, D., Hambly, G. R. G., & Allworth, E. (2021, November 15). History of Central Asia. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-Central-Asia-102306
- Somzhurek, B. Z., Yessengaliyeva, A. M., Medeubayeva, Z. M., & Makangali, B. K. (2018). Central Asia and regional security. Communist and Post-Communist Studies, 51(2), 161–171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postcomstud.2018.04.005
- Staff, E. E. (2021, February 3). Central & Eastern Europe, Central Asia remain without a ‘full democracy’. Emerging Europe. https://emerging-europe.com/news/cee-central-asia-still-lack-full-democracy/
- Wilson, J. (2022, November 12). Central Asia: Core and periphery. GeoHistory. https://geohistory.today/central-asia/
- Zhuangzhi, S. (2007). The relationship between China and Central Asia. Retrieved from https://src-h.slav.hokudai.ac.jp/coe21/publish/no16_1_ses/03_zhuangzhi.pdf
- Zhao, Hongqin, and Huang Jianbin, 2010, China’s policy of Chinese as a foreign language and the use of overseas Confucius Institutes, Educ Res Policy Prac 9, pp. 127–142,
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%252Fs10671-009-9078-1