DISINFO: The West counters Russia and China’s influence in Central Asia
SUMMARY
Support for 'decolonisation' and 'fighting for freedom' in other countries has a long history in Western diplomacy and propaganda. When discussing the policy of creating a 'cordon sanitaire' around Russia, it is important to understand that the course of "decolonisation" and "national and religious revival" is aimed exclusively at countering Russian (and to some extent Chinese) influence in Central Asia and is pursued in the interests of the West’s neo-colonial model.
RESPONSE
A mix of pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives claiming that Western countries are waging a hybrid war against Russia, have a belligerent and hostile agenda against Russia, and about their alleged plans to destabilise and encircle Russia and promote Russophobia in Central Asia.
The article attempts to discredit deepening cooperation between the Central Asia region and Western countries. It advances the claim that Central Asia is within Russia's zone of geopolitical dominance and attempts to discredit any other cooperation between it and the West. The overall aim of cooperation is to build a common area of shared democracy, prosperity, and stability in line with each individual country's aspirations.
The EU and US recognise the importance of the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of the Central Asian States, individually and as a region. Tackling common security challenges and building the region’s resilience are among priority strands for the EU-Central Asia and US-Central Asia partnerships. The US–Kazakhstan and EU-Kazakhstan partnerships are not directed against Russia or any other country.
Involvement in EU or US initiatives does not exclude membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, CIS, or CSTO. The EU supports regional integration in all areas of the world.
See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that the EU is buying up Kazakhstan, that the UK wants to open a new anti-Russia front in Central Asia; that Borrell admitted that the West relies on Kazakhstan’s support in anti-Russia blockade; that West tries to force Kazakhstan to join anti-Russian sanctions policy; that the EU uses the CIS to contain Russia by all means: financial, economic, and military.