Impact of the European Union and China in Central Asia: a comparative analysis of the dimensions and dynamics of distribution

Abstract

This article provides a comparative analysis of the influence of the European Union and China in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan. The question of the extent to which EU and Chinese aid has local impact will be considered. The article uses the method of situational analysis, which allows us to consider two cases: “The manifestation and results of the European Union’s policy in Central Asia and Kazakhstan” and “The dynamics of the development of China’s policy in Central Asia and Kazakhstan”. Despite the fact that the European Union has invested heavily in the Central Asian region over the past two decades and is one of the main trading partners of Kazakhstan, from 2013-2014, there is a tendency towards a decrease in its influence. And China, in turn, is expanding the scale of its participation in the region. However, despite commitments from China, especially for the «Silk Road Economic Belt project» under «the Belt and Road Initiative» for the development of transport and electricity infrastructure, China faces negative perceptions among the local population related to the fear of economic and financial dependence. Special attention is paid to Kazakhstan due to the fact that it is the main partner among the countries of Central Asia, both the European Union and China. It is concluded that the influence of these two regional powers is different in nature, therefore, Kazakhstan should continue to develop bilateral cooperation in its favor, taking into account all these features.

Key words: European Union, Kazakhstan, China, “One Belt One Road”, official development assistance.