Japan and Central Asian countries jointly promote the development of a Caspian Sea logistics route that bypasses Russia

According to the Lianhe Zaobao: Japan and the five Central Asian countries held their first summit, reaching a consensus on supporting the construction of a logistics network "Caspian Route" connecting Central Asia and Europe without going through Russia.

Japan and the five Central Asian countries held their first summit in Tokyo from December 19 to 20, 2025, jointly issued the "Tokyo Declaration," and reached a consensus on supporting the construction of the logistics channel "Caspian Route" that does not go through Russia, connecting Central Asia and Europe. The route aims to enhance connectivity between Central Asia and Europe through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, ensuring the stable supply of energy and critical minerals (such as rare earths and uranium).

By building the "Caspian Route" (Central Asia → Caspian Sea → South Caucasus → Europe), Japan attempts to establish an Asia-Europe logistics network bypassing Russia, aligning with the U.S. "New Silk Road" strategy, and weakening China and Russia's dominance over Central Asian transport routes. The summit also established a framework for cooperation in artificial intelligence, interpreted as a means of technological penetration.

As an inland region, the transportation of resources from Central Asia must pass through Chinese or Russian territory or airspace. The so-called "bypassing Russia" Caspian Route still relies on the trans-Caspian transport network built by China, and the ports leading to Europe are still within the influence of Russia.

Kazakhstan's President Tokayev clearly stated in Tokyo "not joining the anti-China and anti-Russia alliance," while Turkmenistan and other countries only signed economic clauses, refusing to involve security cooperation.

This summit is a microcosm of geopolitical economic rivalry — Japan uses capital as a spear, while China and Russia use geopolitics as a shield. Meanwhile, the five Central Asian countries continue to play the role of precise profit-takers under the survival philosophy of "not putting all eggs in one basket."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852156088042508/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.