China-Russia cooperation in Central Asia: partners or competitors?

After the collapse of Russia's relations with the West due to the situation with Ukraine, the Sino-Russian strategic partnership has gained a more promising character. Russia and China have a common goal – to challenge the principles of the international system, where the West dominates. But the relations between the States are complicated, with continued mistrust on both sides. The balance of competition and cooperation is most evident in Central Asia. At the moment, China occupies a more advantageous position in the region – China's position in Central Asia is quite stable, thanks to the increased security of the region and investment. China holds the upper hand in relations, and this asymmetry will continue to grow at the expense of Russia. But still, Russia and China will only benefit from cooperation rather than from competition. With the exception of an unlikely course correction in Russia's relations with the West, the partnership will strengthen.