How is Russia Responding to China’s Creeping Security Presence in Tajikistan?

Abstract

Tajikistan, the former Soviet Union's poorest republic, remains dependent on Russia. One-third of its economy is based on remittances from migrant workers in Russia, and Moscow continues to act as Tajikistan's security guarantor by stationing its largest overseas base outside of Syria in the country. Increasingly, however, China is becoming a bigger political and economic player in Tajikistan. Concerned about the threat of conflict spillover from Afghanistan into its restive Xinjiang province, the Chinese government has opted to enter Tajikistan as a security partner. So far, Russia and China share a common interest in Tajik stability, but Moscow is clearly showing signs of unease at Beijing's expanding security presence.