The Eurasian Economic Union and China - A fire bowl of interests

Abstract

Starting from a theoretical framework concerning regionalism and the emerging of the archipelago globalisation (M. Deaglio), this research has aimed to highlight the advantages that could be drawn from the development of EAEU by both its member countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan) and China. The second chapter has been entirely dedicated to the EAEU, highlighting lopsided economic integration among its partner countries and different orientations in the foreign relations of its Members. The analysis shows how this Russia - led integration project then seems based on different expectations: Russia may cover a geopolitical strategic interest while an economic interest may be attributable to the other four Members. The third chapter analyses the China - EAEU relations. In analysing the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Belt Road Initiative, a Chinese interest in Russia (Ice silk Route, Siberia) and in Central Asia is being highlighted, proving how the Chinese investments aim to further expand towards the West and to progressively acquire control over the energetic resources of the EAEU. The advantages which China may get are attributable to the chance to integrate the BRI with the EAEU, establishing even more a huge presence in the region. The EAEU is relatively young institution and still under development, and a fragile equilibrium permeates the China - EAEU relations; the risk for the EAEU, then, is not to succeed in establishing a peer relation with China.