U.S.-Kazakhstan relations

Russian and Chinese influence in the region will never go away. But the United States now has a rare and valuable window of opportunity.

Senators Murphy and Young stress that the time is ripe to drop the “outdated” restrictions of Jackson-Vanik and “redefine” the U.S. relationship with Central Asia.

The U.S. has an opportunity to offer Central Asia a strategic alternative to China and Russia based on partnership rather than exploitation. The Jackson-Vanik amendment stands in the way.

Without directly commenting, CENTOM told The Diplomat that “plans for shared military environments involving our partners in Kazakhstan are currently underway.” 

Central Asia will generally welcome -- and want -- U.S. attention, but will want a degree of circumspection.

Washington's messaging is aimed both at Beijing and Central Asian capitals.

The new strategy revolves around a familiar “holy trinity” -- independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity -- while acknowledging the power of new regional dynamics.

The secretary of state pressed Kazakhstan to be wary of Chinese investment and influence, urging it and others to join calls demanding an end to China's repression of minorities.

Insights from George Voloshin.

With a new South Asia strategy guiding operations, how does Central Asia figure into CENTCOM’s activities?

Bilateral trade, Afghanistan, and North Korea's nukes were on the agenda.