Competition of Russia and China in Central Asia: What was the purpose of Putin in visiting to Kyrgyzstan?

Russian President Vladimir Putin had an official visit to Kyrgyzstan for one day. He was met  by the Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov at the Manas Airport. So, why did Putin has this visit? What was Putin's purpose?

According to the press service of the President of Kyrgyzstan, during the meeting the heads of two states signed about 30 documents. Among them there were agreements on military equipment and infrastructure projects. There was an extended meeting between Moscow and Bishkek after the first quick meeting. The agreements are aimed at developing bilateral trade and economic relations.

However, another point of Putin's visit to Kyrgyzstan can be more political than the economic interests.He might has an important reason. President of China Xi Jinping is expected to arrive in Kyrgyzstan on a state visit in June. China's growing influence in Central Asia is a cause for concern for Moscow. That is why Putin wanted to show his position.

According to the source, Kyrgyzstan owes to China $ 1 billion 719.38 million by 2018. This is about 45% of the total external debt of Kyrgyzstan. In addition, from 2014 to 2017, China's investment in Kyrgyzstan exceeded $ 770 million. In 2017, Beijing invested 574 jobs in Kyrgyzstan.

However, Kyrgyzstan has China's economic dominance, but Russia's priority remains in the political and cultural spheres. It's noteworthy that during his visit toKyrgyzstan, Putin made an effort to keep key industries in Kyrgyzstan. We can also see it from the signed agreements. The agreement on the development of rail and agricultural industries in Kyrgyzstan is more prominent.

Earlier, it was reported that Kyrgyz railroad is being sold to Russia. However, the information was denied by the Bishkek authorities. They said that they were working for a deal with Russia in the railway industry. It is known that China also intends to implement a railway project that will link Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. It is worth mentioning that Putin's visit to the railroad industry is a position opposed to China's influence.

Certainly, Georgia and Armenia, Ukraine and the Baltic States are far from the influence of Russia. And China's economic influence in Central Asia is rapidly growing, but political impact is rising gradually. It is also known that Putin's main goal in his visit to Kyrgyzstan is to lay the foundation for this. So, Central Asian countries should unite their strength and show their position. However, it is difficult to hide the vulnerability of the neighboring Kyrgyz authorities on this issue.

"The Qazaq Times"