Russia and China: Cooperation in the Field of Regional Security in Central Asia (2001–2023)

The work focuses on exploring the cooperative efforts between Russia and China in the field of regional security within Central Asia from 2001 until 2023. The research aims to define the characteristics of the Central Asian region, identify security issues specific to the area, analyse the policies of China and Russia in the region, and pinpoint areas where Russia and China can collaborate to enhance regional security in Central Asia. The study has highlighted the challenges and threats that contribute to the destabilisation of the Central Asian region. It also examined the features of this region that influenced the spread of terrorism, religious extremism, and drug trafficking in Central Asia. Further, an analysis of the foreign policy of Russia and China in Central Asia is presented. The reasons for Russia’s and China’s interest in ensuring security of the region were identified. Consequently, recommendations were proposed to solve the security problems of Central Asia.