Karimov’s Death Could Reshape Sino-Russian Relations

The death of President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan could engender major changes in the Sino-Russian relationship in Central Asia, despite Beijing and Moscow maintaining a harmonious, if not especially close, partnership in the region for years. For now, both China and Russia see Moscow as main foreign actor responsible for ensuring that the political transition in Uzbekistan proceeds in a manner that does not threaten regional stability. However, Beijing might feel pressured to assume a stronger security role in Central Asia if instability and terrorism grows considerably stronger in the region and Russia seems to have lost control of the situation.

Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cJIdN9