Report: Russia and China Control Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s political and economic reliance on Russia and China essentially give them control over the Central Asian nation. An opinion piece published by Caracal alluded to this on Tuesday, citing multiple factors.

Why it matters: Uzbekistan is rich in minerals and other natural resources. Russia’s and China’s growing influence over the nation hurts the West.

Russia: Uzbekistan’s leaders are closely aligned with Russia. Should Russia stop supporting Uzbekistan, it could cause crippling political turmoil for the weak nation.

• Russia’s tight grip on Uzbekistan’s leaders will thwart attempts from Western nations to foster a close relationship with the nation.

China: China’s close relationship with Russia aids China in becoming Uzbekistan’s closest economic partner. Other factors solidifying China’s influence include:

• China is strong economically, militarily and technologically.
• China and Uzbekistan have been economically close throughout history; Uzbekistan receives more trade from China than any other country.
• China has a favorable trade imbalance with Uzbekistan. Trade between the two reached $13.8 billion last year; Uzbek imports from China comprised $11.8 billion of that.
• This borrowing has dug Uzbekistan into a $3.8 billion debt to China.
• China is reportedly purchasing Uzbek land ripe with mining and agricultural potential and long-term leases on properties in major hubs.
• China has worked over the past few years to connect itself culturally with Uzbekistan through seminars, exhibitions, performances, contributions to Uzbek restoration of cultural sites, and joint media campaigns promoting bilateral products.

Media campaign: The Uzbek government is working to quench anti-China dissent from its populace. These efforts include a media campaign advocating for greater economic cooperation.

• Social media posts indicate that most Uzbek citizens feel threatened by China’s growing influence.

Prophesied hegemony: Bible prophecy says Russia and China will soon lead a massive military union of Asian nations. Central Asia is specifically included in these prophecies. Stories like this show how this prophecy is coming to pass.

Learn more: Read our free booklet Russia and China in Prophecy.