Mr. Adil Kaukenov, Orientalist and expert in China explains the dangers presumed in the “besieged fortress” life-attitude and argues why regional cooperation is of use.

In his telegram-channel, Mr. Kaukenov substantiates his explanation as to why we should not fear China.

Global Crises and Regional Cooperation

Events of the past several years, inclusive of the pandemic with all the subsequent limitations and constraints, escalating US-China confrontation, sanction war and crisis in the Eastern Europe brought us to thinking that the Regionalization Processes, the scientists had been discussing for an extensive period of time, are unwinding now.

The above is quite clear – the principle of the good unneighborly relationships is the only instrument to develop our region. From that standpoint, relationships with China are the essential part in the development of Central Asia, as a whole. That approach is the only way to benefit from Central Asia’s advantageous geography – the in-land bridge between two most powerful drivers of the global economy – Asia and Europe.

That is why, it was not a big surprise, when the Central Asia-China summit drew the attention from all global Mass Media. Summit’s end result confirmed its importance, as numerous documents were signed and new projects – technological and infrastructural, were launched. 

We Should be Above Stereotypes

China has clear understanding that close geographic proximity to Central Asia offers grand opportunity.  China, for Central Asia is a gateway into unlimited Chinese market, as well as the whole of East and South-East Asia. That is why, when they express concerns regarding Chinese expansion, we should realize that the modern reality dictates its own rules, requiring us to position ourselves above stereotypes.

Peaceful co-existence and common development have not alternatives. Top political and economic leaderships of Central Asian states realize that, when they sign more and more memorandums and agreements of joint development that will change the economic structure of Eurasian continent. Some time ago, they expressed concerns in regards to railroads. Today, Kazakhstan is a transit zone for Chinese trains running to Europe.

We Are Not “Besieged Fortress Defenders”

Those projects brought hard currency and new workplaces. Doing so is much better, compared to nurturing the “besieged fortress” philosophy. The Central Asia-China format offers a new level of trust, because Central Asian states communicate with China in the multi-lateral, not bilateral format, thus coordinating measures amongst themselves. Such approach eliminates concerns about what neighbors are doing and how their initiatives might influence the others. Today we see, that big regional projects may be created through common effort and the common benefit from them is greater.