Hamedia: At the Intersection of China, Russia, and the U.S.: How Kazakhstan Advances Its Multi-Directional Diplomacy
Kazakh International News Agency - Located at the center of Eurasia, Kazakhstan has become a focal point of global strategic attention due to its unique geographical position. In the region where China, Russia, and the United States have long been in a power struggle, Kazakhstan continues to consolidate its strategic space through steady multi-directional diplomacy, while also providing important support for stability and cooperation in Central Asia.
The Geopolitical Characteristics in a Multipolar Struggle
Other regional powers such as the European Union, India, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and Gulf countries have also seen a rapid rise in influence in recent years, and they are paying close attention to Central Asia, a "sensitive area" in global relations. Here, the interests of major powers intertwine intricately, and regional countries need to carefully manage the demands of all sides, especially when conflicts between great powers might spill over.
Tensions between the U.S. and Russia, and ongoing U.S.-China trade friction could potentially exert external pressure on Central Asia. As a regional hub, Kazakhstan must avoid being caught up in the confrontation between major powers while ensuring that its foreign policy remains proactive at all times.
The Necessity of Multi-Directional Diplomacy
For Kazakhstan, multi-directional diplomacy is not just an option but a necessity. Its core objective is to ensure that no single major power gains an asymmetric advantage in the region, thus avoiding instability caused by intensified competition.
More importantly, for Kazakhstan, maintaining "diplomatic sovereignty" is crucial. Sovereignty allows dialogue with all parties, while the objects may become focal points of competition. Over the past 30 years, Kazakhstan has maintained policy consistency under this principle, whereas some countries in the region had to passively adjust in the complex international environment during the 1990s and 2000s.
At the same time, multi-directional diplomacy must remain proactive, expanding diplomatic maneuvering space by proposing regional development visions and promoting international cooperation frameworks. Development projects not only serve national strategies but also provide platforms for high-level dialogues with major powers.
"Mutual Dependence" Between Large and Small Countries
When a middle-sized country proposes a transnational development agenda and promotes regional cooperation, major powers often cannot remain indifferent. This structure creates an interactive and balancing relationship between major powers and middle-sized countries.
In the early days after the collapse of the Soviet Union, a strategic vacuum emerged in Central Asia. Russia attempted to distance itself from responsibilities towards former Asian republics, while the U.S. actively participated in regional construction through financial institutions. Meanwhile, China, which was in the early stages of reform, began to pay more attention to the security environment in Central Asia. These factors ultimately led to the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Core Competition: Transportation Corridors
Since the 1990s, the main competition in Central Asia has gradually focused on transportation and logistics corridors. The U.S. has promoted several routes through the Caucasus to reduce dependence on a single direction. In the 2010s, China's "Belt and Road" initiative provided stronger impetus for regional connectivity. In the 2020s, the "Middle Corridor" continued to develop. After the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Russia strengthened the promotion of the "North-South" corridor.
In these competitive projects, Kazakhstan has always been a key hub and actively promoted cross-continental trade. As an inland country far from the sea, through multiple lines of layout, Kazakhstan ensures its central position in the "crossroads of transportation" in the construction of multiple channels.
Stability Through Projects
Conflict and confrontation are not in the common interest of Central Asian countries. A unified stance also makes major powers realize that regional countries will not deliberately favor one side due to their multi-directional diplomacy, allowing competition to focus more on projects rather than geopolitical confrontation.
Kazakhstan is advancing development through multiple initiatives. For example, during President Tokayev's recent visit to the U.S., a series of cooperative projects were achieved, and major agreements in areas such as nuclear power plant construction and the development of the "Middle Corridor" with Russia and China have demonstrated Kazakhstan's ability to maintain cooperation with major partners simultaneously.
"Project-based Competition" Has Become a New Form of International Interaction
Today, major powers tend to compete through development projects, creating conditions for Central Asia to further expand its diplomatic autonomy. Facts have proven that the notion of "having to take sides" does not hold true. Instead, Central Asian countries, through coordination and cooperation, have created a more stable external environment for the region, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan becoming key drivers in the region.
President Tokayev's long-term international experience, including holding senior positions at the United Nations, has made Kazakhstan more strategically discerning in complex international environments, and has also made its multi-directional diplomacy more mature.
As the English world commonly interprets the Chinese word for "crisis," it means "danger and opportunity." Although this interpretation is not strictly linguistic, the thinking it emphasizes is precisely applicable to the current geopolitical reality - challenges and opportunities coexist, and multi-directional diplomacy is the key for Kazakhstan to steadily advance in changing circumstances.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849731950056455/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.