Author :
Abstract
One of the most significant developments affecting the global system in the twentieth century was the dissolution of the Soviet Union following the two World Wars. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the bipolar system led to the disintegration of the Soviet Union, which in turn necessitated a re-examination of the fundamental assumptions of the international system. In addition, the redrawing of borders emerged as another critical issue for Asian countries. Although the border disputes between China and Kazakhstan, which became neighboring states after 1991, were resolved, China’s sensitivities in its foreign policy toward Kazakhstan persisted for many years. This study examines China’s policy toward Kazakhstan as a neighboring state. The period analyzed, spanning from 2005 to 2013, covers the era from the establishment of the strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan to the leadership transition culminating in Xi Jinping’s rise to power. Given China’s central role in shaping Asia’s future, the continuity of its policy toward one of its most important neighbors provides a fundamental framework for understanding contemporary policies. The study ultimately finds that China’s domestic dynamics constitute a key determinant of its foreign policy toward Kazakhstan.
Keywords
Abstract
One of the most significant developments affecting the global system in the twentieth century was the dissolution of the Soviet Union following the two World Wars. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the bipolar system led to the disintegration of the Soviet Union, which in turn necessitated a re-examination of the fundamental assumptions of the international system. In addition, the redrawing of borders emerged as another critical issue for Asian countries. Although the border disputes between China and Kazakhstan, which became neighboring states after 1991, were resolved, China’s sensitivities in its foreign policy toward Kazakhstan persisted for many years. This study examines China’s policy toward Kazakhstan as a neighboring state. The period analyzed, spanning from 2005 to 2013, covers the era from the establishment of the strategic partnership between China and Kazakhstan to the leadership transition culminating in Xi Jinping’s rise to power. Given China’s central role in shaping Asia’s future, the continuity of its policy toward one of its most important neighbors provides a fundamental framework for understanding contemporary policies. The study ultimately finds that China’s domestic dynamics constitute a key determinant of its foreign policy toward Kazakhstan.
