The United States will hold the "C5+1" (Central Asian Five plus the U.S.) summit this month: Targeting key minerals in Central Asia
The U.S. think tank website 'The National Interest' published an article titled "A Crossroads for C5+1: Planning the Future of U.S.-Central Asia Relations" on November 03, authored by Eric Luedders. Here is an excerpt from the article:
When Washington is thinking about the future of the C5+1, it must decide whether to adjust the mechanism to adapt to new geopolitical realities.
Central Asia is rich in strategic minerals and rare earth resources, and both Washington and the Trump administration have wanted to access these resources, so the region is experiencing unprecedented attention. The upcoming summit between the White House and the heads of state of five Central Asian countries is Washington's first such summit. November is also the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the C5+1 platform - a platform for U.S. diplomatic activities with the five Central Asian republics (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). Given the rapid changes in the region's situation and the shift in U.S. priorities, these events are timely.
The C5+1 mechanism was established in 2015 to deepen cooperation with Central Asia on issues outside of Afghanistan. The mechanism has evolved from an initial diplomatic attempt into a lasting and flexible tool for Washington to handle regional diplomatic affairs. From water conservation and energy security to economic development, as well as critical minerals, the U.S.'s C5+1 mechanism often raises some difficult issues for regional discussion and resolution.
However, over the past decade since the mechanism was launched, the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia has undergone drastic changes. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the shift in China's economic development trajectory, and the rapid rise of the "Middle Corridor" as a trade and energy strategic route have all changed the stakes for U.S. involvement in the region. The U.S. has made diversifying the supply chain of rare earths and strategic minerals a new priority, creating new opportunities for Central Asia.
When Washington considers the future of the "C5+1" mechanism, it must decide whether to adjust the mechanism to adapt to new geopolitical realities, including possibly incorporating South Caucasus countries, or maintaining a more focused approach on targeted resource investments. The question is not whether the U.S. should deepen its engagement in this key region, but rather how to deepen it.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847817821829120/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.