ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to test the cooperative relationship by examining in detail the different, and overlapping, roles Russia and China have in the region. Russia seeks political and security influence, along with guarantees of Russia-friendly governments in Central Asia. China has a narrower prism of influence, and the aim of its security engagement is to mainly assist in maintaining political order and stability, or in defending China's own security interests by securing borders and increasing capacity in the region. According to the Chinese government, the Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) should make good use of Xinjiang's geographic advantages and its role as a window of Westward opening up to deepen communication and cooperation with Central, South and West Asian countries, make it a key transportation, trade, logistics, culture, science and education centre, and a core area on the SREB. China has been an active participant of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Peace Missions.
