CENTRAL ASIA AS A STRATEGIC HUB BETWEEN RUSSIA, CHINA AND THE WEST: PROSPECTS FOR A NEW BALANCE OF POWER

“INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION” 2025/1 195 DOI: https://10.5281/zenodo.17516854 CENTRAL ASIA AS A STRATEGIC HUB BETWEEN RUSSIA, CHINA AND THE WEST: PROSPECTS FOR A NEW BALANCE OF POWER Shohislom Maxammadiyev E-mail: shohmuhammadiy7[email protected]om ABSTRACT This scientific thesis analyzes the role of Central Asia in modern geopolitical processes, its strategic relations with Russia, China and Western countries, and the process of forming the balance of power in the region. The study highlights the relevance of Central Asia’s natural resources, economic potential, regional cooperation processes and interactions with global power centers. Changes in the foreign policy of the countries of the region, integration initiatives, and efforts to ensure strategic independence will also be studied on a scientific basis. Keywords: Central Asia, geopolitics, Russia, China, West, balance of power, economic integration, regional cooperation, strategic independence. MAIN PART Central Asia is recognized as one of the most important regions of the global geopolitical system in the 21st century. Located at the crossroads of East and West, this region is at the center of attention of world power centers with its rich natural resources, strategic geographical location, and demographic potential. Russia has historically viewed Central Asia as its sphere of influence. It seeks to maintain its influence in the region through military cooperation, activities within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), migration policy, and economic ties. However, the decline in trust in Moscow as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war that began in 2022 and economic sanctions have weakened its influence in the region. “INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION” 2025/1 196 China, on the other hand, is expanding its economic and infrastructure activities in Central Asia through its “One Belt, One Road” initiative. By investing in transport, energy, digital infrastructure, and trade corridors in the region, China has become the largest economic partner of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. At the same time, economic influence also directly affects political stability. Western countries, particularly the European Union, are approaching Central Asia through the prism of strengthening energy security, diversifying transport corridors, and developing democratic institutions. The 2025 EU-Central Asia summit is a testament to the strengthening of ties in this direction. In recent years, the Central Asian countries have been taking their cooperation to a new level. Regional consultative meetings, initiated by Uzbekistan, have created a new format for intra-regional dialogue. In addition, projects such as the Kambar-Ata1 hydroelectric power plant project, the Digital Central Asia initiative, and the Green Energy Belt are increasing the economic and environmental sustainability of the region. Digital transformation, investment in transport and logistics infrastructure, and human capital are helping the region to take an independent place in the global economic system. At the same time, the conflicting interests of external forces in the region are creating a new balance. CONCLUSION In conclusion, Central Asia is currently at the center of global geopolitical competition, and the conflict of interests between Russia, China, and the West creates both threats and opportunities for the region. The countries of the region can take an active place in the global system by protecting their strategic interests, developing independent transport corridors, deepening regional integration, and coordinating foreign policy. In this context, the establishment of scientific platforms such as the “Central Asia Strategic Analysis Center” is important for developing the region’s long-term strategy, balancing external influences, and strengthening strategic independence. “INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION” 2025/1 197 REFERENCES: 1. Center for a New American Security. (2024). Russia and China in Central Asia: Cooperation or Competition? 2. Foreign Affairs (2023). Is Russia losing control of Central Asia? 3. Central Asia Forum (2024). Geopolitical Crossroads: The Dynamics of “Cooperation” Between Russia and China. 4. Institut Français des Relations Internationales (2023). Russie.Eurasie.Visions #132. 5. Wilson Center (2011). Energy Geopolitics in Russia, China, and Central Asia. 6. Wikipedia (2025). European Union–Central Asia Summit.