China’s Economic Relations with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and Their Impact on Kyrgyz-Tajik Economic Relations

Abstract

Taking into consideration the low intensity cooperation among Central Asian countries, this thesis intended to find out whether there is any alternative that could strengthen the interrelations of these countries. Intentionally, knowing political unwillingness of political cooperation among Central Asian leaders, this paper focused on economic cooperation. Owing to the frequent border disputes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, we studied China’s presence in both countries and assessed its role in the development of the two countries, and its contribution to the reconciliation of Kyrgyz-Tajik relations. The findings revealed that China is the main economic player in the region and its investments are considered crucial for the development of each Central Asian state. However, in the case of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Russia plays more role and has greater influence due to its labor markets and trade relations. Unlike in Tajikistan, even though Kyrgyz authorities highly appreciate China’s contribution, China’s presence in Kyrgyzstan viewed as a threat by local population. Finally, we have learned that China has impact on Kyrgyz-Tajik developments, but at present, China has nothing to do with the reconciliation of Kyrgyz-Tajik relations. In addition, Kyrgyz-Tajik trade relations comprise one percent of their trade turnovers which is very weak to tie Kyrgyz-Tajik relations strongly.