DISINFO: The West is trying to isolate Central Asia from Moscow and Beijing
SUMMARY
The USA and the West have recently expanded significantly into Central Asia, with G7 countries prepared to invest up to $200 billion in infrastructure projects. This clearly reflects a policy aimed at distancing the region from Russia. This development occurs against a backdrop of improved relations with Russia and successful engagement with China, driven primarily by Central Asia's pragmatic interests. However, the requirement for these investments is that Central Asian countries limit cooperation with Russia and China, which may not align with their national interests.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the West of destabilising countries around Russia and isolating it.
The article attempts to discredit deepening cooperation between the Central Asia region and the Western countries. The article advances the claim that Central Asia is within Russia's zone of geopolitical dominance and attempts to discredit any other cooperation between it and the West. The overall aim of cooperation is to build a common area of shared democracy, prosperity, and stability in line with each individual country's aspirations.
The EU and US recognise the importance of the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of the Central Asian States, individually and as a region. Tackling common security challenges and building the region’s resilience are among priority strands for the EU-Central Asia and US-Central Asia partnerships. The US–Kazakhstan and EU-Kazakhstan partnerships are not directed against Russia or any other country.
Involvement in EU or US initiatives does not exclude membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, CIS, or CSTO. The EU supports regional integration in all areas of the world.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that the UK wants to open a new anti-Russia front in Central Asia; that Borrell admitted that the West relies on Kazakhstan’s support in anti-Russia blockade; that West tries to force Kazakhstan to join anti-Russian sanctions policy; that the EU uses the CIS to contain Russia by all means: financial, economic, and military.