New Great Game in Central Asia: China’s Soft Balancing Under Xi Jinping, 2013-2021

Abstract

This research examines the New Great Game in Central Asian region by applying the theory of Soft Balancing to analyze the China-US competition. The research addresses the question that, how China utilized Soft Balancing as a tool in the region under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and what is the US reaction. The methodology of this research is motivated by qualitative case study technique. Data is collected by employing both primary and secondary sources. In primary data collection, in-depth interviews were conducted, meanwhile, literature and newspapers were explored in secondary sources. The scope of this research was limited to China and the US engagement in Central Asian region only. This research has found that China’s Soft Balancing in the Central Asian region is inspired by economic interests, where trade and energy are key factors guiding China’s foreign policy. China undertakes Soft Balancing through institutions like SCO, AIIB, BRI, Confucius institutes, as well as Oil, Gas and trade. The US on the other hand countered China through initiatives like New Silk Route, economic assistance to Central Asian states, networks like C5+1, and countering the BRI through initiatives like BDN and PGII. The research concludes that China’s soft balancing provided them with leverage in Central Asia economically, politically, and strategically under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.