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Abstract:
This paper analyzes oil and natural gas resources of Central Asian states as a factor in Russian-Chinese relations. While this topic has been studied extensively over the past two decades, this analysis is unique in that it offers a Chinese perspective. Russia, one of the world's largest energy producers, and China, the world's largest energy consumer, are scrambling for access to Central Asian oil and gas resources and the control over their transportation network. Notwithstanding their differing interests in the Central Asian energy sector, the two great powers have so far been able to avoid conflict over these assets. This paper argues that the lack of visible friction between Russia and China over Central Asian energy resources can be attributed to three main reasons. First, the tensions have been mitigated by the multivector foreign policy conducted by Central Asian leaders. Second, this alleged cooperative Russian-Chinese relationship, despite colliding interests in Central Asia, is in accordance with Russia's and China's larger interests in maintaining their broader strategic partnership. Finally, the 2008 global economic crisis lessened the intensity of the competition between Russia and China in the region's energy sector. The analysis of these determinants, particularly from the Chinese standpoint, provides important references and implications for regional security.
| Limitations: |
 APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE |
| Description: |
Research paper |
| Pages: |
29 |
| Report Date: |
Jan 2011 |
| Report Number: |
A411945 |
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