China Russia Central Asia East Europe Relations

A detailed examination of the hugely significant relationship between China and the nations of Central Asian and Eastern Europe (including Russia) from a Chinese perspective. Written by leading academics and researchers from CASS, the Chief Editor is the influential Wu Enyuan, Director of the Institute of Russian, Eastern European, Central Asian Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The expert coverage and analysis enables the reader to fully understand China's relations and policies towards these vital partners and neighbours.

This book examines the involvement of the European Union (EU) and China in Central Asia and critically assesses the implications this has for the region as a whole. The volume adopts a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from International Relations, EU Studies, International Economics, International Law, Sinology, and History. It concentrates on three thematic levels: (1) historical and contextual, (2) geopolitical and geo-economic, and (3) socio-cultural and institutional. Paying particular attention to the role of the EU and the factors driving the EU’s and China’s relations with Central Asia, it looks at how the Central Asian countries position themselves vis-à-vis China’s growing influence, and how the balance of power between China, Russia, and the EU plays out. Contributors also explore the important historical context of the ‘Silk Routes’, as well as of the erstwhile connection of the Central Asian states with the Soviet Union. Critically analysing the potential areas for collaboration and synergy between the EU and China, the book also discusses the extent to which they share a common ground in Central Asia that could serve as a basis for long-term cooperation. It will be of interest to all scholars and students of International Relations, Economics, Sinology, and History.

The book explores developments in Russia-China relations in the aftermath of the global economic crisis, arguing that the crisis transformed their bilateral affairs, regional liaisons and, crucially, altered the roles both states play on the international arena. Discussing how Russo-Chinese cooperation has accelerated in energy trade, arms sales and in the Russian Far East, the focus is on how the still mutually advantageous relationship has become more asymmetric than ever, reflecting China’s meteoric rise and Russia’s decline. These dynamics are explored through three perspectives: domestic, regional and global. Domestically, the book traces the role of political coalitions and key interest groups involved in how the two states shape their reciprocal policies. Changes in the regional dimension are examined with particular reference to a new status quo emerging in Central Asia. The book concludes by explaining how the changing relationship is affecting the international order, including the balance of power vis-à-vis the United States as well as Russia and China’s changing attitudes towards global governance.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese migration to the countries of the former Soviet bloc – Russia, Eastern Europe and countries of Central Asia – exploring how the migration has come about, discussing the motivation of the migrants and examining the significant contribution the migrants are making.

The Sino-Russian relationship has experienced several permutations in recent decades as both states have undergone radical domestic changes, including the end of Soviet communism and the abandonment of Maoism. This volume brings together scholars to address the current status of Sino-Russian relations in the political, military, energy and trade sectors. In this comprehensive new volume, authors offer a detailed account on the both the historical context and current status of relations between Russia and China and the geo-political realignments in Eurasia. This analysis of the evolving relationship addresses global strategy, energy politics, national security, human security, and Central Asian links. Individual chapters examine key issues such as China’s economic ascendancy, military relations, the geostrategic position of Mongolia, Japan’s views and historical background. With authors representing a broad range of current active experts and researchers working in Europe, the US, Central Asia, China and Japan, this book offers a long-term and in-depth analysis of the relations and potential developments in both bilateral and international relations. This work will be of great interest to scholars of international relations, Asian security, and the Eurasian region.

Russia is the world's biggest hydrocarbon producer. China is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing energy markets. The two are neighbours. Yet their energy relationship is very thin. Instead, they compete for vast and largely unexplored Central Asian resources. As Kazakh oil and Turkmen gas start flowing to China, Russia's traditional dominance in the region is diminishing. However, the Central Asian states are not passive pawns in a new 'great game'. The EU and the US can help these countries to turn the new energy geopolitics to their advantage.

Much of the former Soviet bloc has become a destination for new Chinese migrants. Throughout Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Chinese migrants are engaged in entrepreneurial activities, primarily as petty merchants of consumer goods in unsteady economies. This book situates these migrants within the broader context of Chinese globalization and China’s economic "rise." It traces the origins of Chinese migration into the region, as well as the conditions that have allowed migrants to thrive. Furthermore, it discusses the perception that Chinese globalization is purely economic and explores the relationship among petty merchants, labourers and institutional investors. Finally, by examining the movement of China’s minorities into Central Asia, this book challenges the ethnic construct of new "Chinese" migration.

In April 1996, after over half a century of border disputes and deep-seated hostility, Russia and China entered into a "strategic partnership." The emergence of a Russia-China relationship will significantly affect international relations in a region already experiencing economic instability and political uncertainty. Based on the findings of a Study Group made up of American, Russian, and Chinese scholars, Limited Partnership explores the issues that will cement the budding relationship, including demilitarization, trade, and a shared view of regional and global issues. It also discusses future challenges to strategic cooperation, such as the disparity in the economic growth of the two countries, Chinese migration, political instability in the Russian Far East, and diverging interests in East and Central Asia. After setting out various forms that the Russia-China relationship might take, the report examines the likely impact of these scenarios and offers recommendations for U.S. policy.