The Factors behind China’s Growing Economic Engagement in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the 21st Century

Abstract

It is crucial for the states to secure and strengthen energy resources to rise and survive
in international arena. The resource dependent states also require same approach.
China is vigilant about politics and security nonetheless relatively more cautious in the
economic sphere. The acquisition of new export markets, development of
intercontinental transportation and infrastructure and safeguarding supply of natural
resources are the primary motives of China. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are providing
alternative routes to international transport corridors and a promising market for
goods. China has the potential for investment, to help them build their infrastructure
and new gas and oil pipelines for its own energy requirements. This study aims to
analyze China’s expansion in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan under the framework of
liberalism which emphasized that liberty, equality and cooperation can be possible
among states. The objective of the study is to investigate factors that motivate China’s
continuous growth in these post-soviet states. This study uses qualitative method and
analyzes to what extend Chinese developments are valuable for the people of
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.