Sino-Japanese competition for Central Asian energy: China’s game to win

This article examines Sino-Japanese competition for influence in Central Asia.
Both countries view the region as an important source of energy reserves and have
used trade, foreign aid, diplomacy and security cooperation to exert their influence
over the Central Asian republics. The article analyses the parallel strategies
undertaken by Japan and China in Central Asia. It demonstrates that, compared
with China, Japan's relationship with the region is both superficial and declining.
As a result of China's deep and growing economic, political and military ties, this
article concludes that Japan is losing the Central Asian "game" and that China will
have far greater success in obtaining Central Asian energy resources.