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China's Security Footprint In Tajikistan

Strategic Interests And Regional Implications.

Abstract

This article examines China’s growing influence on the regional security of Central Asia, especially in Tajikistan, a strategically located country of significant geographical importance. The region, which shares borders with volatile Afghanistan and China's Xinjiang, is of particular importance for regional security. In recent years, China has expanded its relationship with them from being an economic partner to a security provider. There have been recent investments in the region for border security, infrastructure developments, and joint military exercises. Russia also considers this region important and has had an influence since the region’s independence. This article analyses the Strategic importance of the region, the shifting security dynamics, and how these are affecting regional security, using dependency theory. It also highlights the strategic importance of Tajikistan for China’s western security and how the presence of these great powers – Russia and China influence the Country. This article argues that China's presence in the area can be understood as both an invitation from Tajikistan and an attempt by China to secure its border.

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