US and China Competition for Influence in Central Asia

Central Asia has become the forefront of US and Chinese foreign policy since its independence in 1991. The US foreign policy toward Central Asia focuses on security, economics and energy and has not changed since its development in the mid 1990's. China's foreign/regional policy toward Central Asia has developed over the past decade focusing on security of its western border to energy development and economic investment. Both countries strive for a strategic advantage in the region in order to obtain energy resources. The purpose of this monograph is to examine US and China policies toward Central Asia and provide a comparative analysis of these policies using the national instruments of power. This monograph will show that China has surpassed US influence in the region with the development and implementation of its "grand strategy" that encompasses bilateral and multilateral relations. In order to close this apparent strategic gap on China, the US should consider a review of it policy priorities and maximize existing relations within multilateral organization such as NATO and regional powers within Central Asia.