The Shanghai co-operation organization : China's changing influence in Central Asia
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
The China Quarterly
Publication Date
12-1-2004
Issue
180
First Page
990
Last Page
1009
Abstract
China, Russia and the Central Asian states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan formed the Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO) in 2001. China's backing for an SCO charter, permanent secretariat and anti-terrorism centre for the past three years reflects its desire to strengthen the SCO in countering United States influence in Central Asia. Diplomatically, China fears that the American presence means that regional states will be less accommodating to China's political demands. Economically, China worries that the United States' support for American petroleum companies will compromise Chinese efforts to wrest concessions from Central Asian governments. Security-wise, with bases close to China's western borders, Washington can assist Beijing in flushing out Xinjiang separatists operating in Central Asia, or put military pressure on China, should it be perceived as a threat. The American presence and resurgent Russian involvement in Central Asia seem to have put China's influence in the region on the defensive. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
DOI
10.1017/S0305741004000712
Print ISSN
03057410
E-ISSN
14682648
Publisher Statement
Copyright © The China Quarterly, 2004
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Chung, C.-p. (2004). The Shanghai co-operation organization: China's changing influence in Central Asia. The China Quarterly, (180), 990-1009. doi: 10.1017/S0305741004000712