Making Friends with Neighbors?: Local Perceptions of Russia and China in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Many studies have compared the Russian and Chinese projects currently underway in the Central Asian region, namely the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB), both of which seek to increase integration with Central Asian states. Yet little attention has been paid to how these endeavors are perceived locally by Central Asians themselves. This article aims to fill this gap by presenting the findings of a comparative discourse analysis of perceptions of Russia and China in online Russian-language media in Kyrgyzstan. The research reveals that while Russia’s role in the region has been seen primarily in political terms and China’s role chiefly in economic terms, these perceptions are changing, and that a growing percentage of articles are devoted to economics in the case of Russia and politics in the case of China. Another finding from this research is that China receives a greater percentage of positive coverage than Russia. It is suggested that as two important poles in the emerging multi-polar world, China and Russia should ensure their respective projects complement, rather than conflict, with one another in the region.

Kazakhstan's media coverage of China: How the Belt and Road Initiative strengthens geopolitical ties

“…The relationship between Kazakhstan, China, and other Central Asian republics has been marked by discord, reflected in both governmental discourse and everyday interethnic interactions. Chinese residents in Central Asia have often encountered prejudice and violence, leading to protests against Chinese investments despite official claims of "expanding strategic relationships" (Owen, 2018). Misconceptions about China in Central Asia stem from factors like media exposure, purchasing Chinese goods, and educational exchanges.…”

Perceptions of China in Central Asia: Findings from an elite university in Bishkek

“…Several extant studies rely on discourse analysis of state-sponsored and private newspapers to understand perceptions of China in Central Asia (for instance, Burkhanov and Chen [2016] and Owen [2018]). However, as our survey finds, 'traditional' newspapers (whether in print or on websites) appear to have lost favour, especially among the younger generations.…”

“…The few studies that do exist often rely on secondary sources and desk-based research. Peyrouse (2016), for example, posits that a complicated relationship with China has evolved among the Central Asian populace, with elements of both Sinophilia and Sinophobia present, but does not include any primary analysis.…”

Educated into Sinophilia? How Kazakh Graduates/Students of Chinese Universities Perceive China

“…Under President Xi, China’s approach to the region has transformed into ideologically oriented, at the same time becoming more proactive and confident. As a result, it is difficult to deny that China has become a key external player for the Central Asian states from an economic (Van Der Kley, 2020), geopolitical (Fallon, 2015: 141), normative (Ambrosio, 2008), and even military aspect (Pantucci, 2021; Yau and Van Der Kley, 2020).…”

“…Radio Azattyq, 2019). Given the growing importance of the issue of Sinophobia in Central Asia, this topic has come under close scholarly scrutiny (Burkhanov and Chen, 2016;Chen and Günther, 2020;Clarke, 2014;Laruelle and Peyrouse, 2012;Owen, 2018;Shailoobek Kyzy, 2021;Syroezhkin, 2014;Toktomushev, 2021).…”