ABSTRACT
Although most analyses of Central Asia focus on Russian and American policies, they err by overlooking China's growing stake in Central Asia and its enhanced capabilities to pursue its objectives. China looks to Central Asia for internal security against Islamic and Uighur terrorism, especially in Xinjiang, energy access, economic opportunities, and defense against foreign threats. Since China imports fossil fuels, its interest in secure supplies has grown considerably, especially as it moves from a purely state-run and owned system emphasizing security of supply to one that spreads supply risks through greater reliance on market mechanisms and diversification of supplies. China worries that insurgency in Central Asia could spread to Xinjiang, and threaten its integrity and stability. Security considerations are major drivers of Chinese policies in Xinjiang and Central Asia. For China, a Central Asia which is capable of overcoming its economic difficulties and getting out of its economic crises has a better chance of achieving economic prosperity and political stability.
