// Global Analysis Archive
The Diplomat’s February 2026 analysis argues Central Asia is increasingly asserting sovereign agency and diversifying partnerships, including greater engagement with the West, amid heightened sensitivity after Russia’s war in Ukraine. Despite this shift, the source notes Moscow retains considerable influence, making the region’s strategy one of multi-vector balancing rather than binary alignment.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s attendance at an SCO meeting in Russia is being framed as evidence of China’s growing ‘responsible major-country’ role in Eurasian development. The move strengthens Beijing’s regional leadership narrative but carries risks tied to sanctions exposure, Russia-related reputational spillover, and intra-SCO divergences.
The Diplomat’s February 2026 analysis argues Central Asia is increasingly asserting sovereign agency and diversifying partnerships, including greater engagement with the West, amid heightened sensitivity after Russia’s war in Ukraine. Despite this shift, the source notes Moscow retains considerable influence, making the region’s strategy one of multi-vector balancing rather than binary alignment.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s attendance at an SCO meeting in Russia is being framed as evidence of China’s growing ‘responsible major-country’ role in Eurasian development. The move strengthens Beijing’s regional leadership narrative but carries risks tied to sanctions exposure, Russia-related reputational spillover, and intra-SCO divergences.
| ID | Title | Category | Date | Views | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPT-1213 | Central Asia’s Post-Ukraine Pivot: Sovereignty, Multi-Vector Balancing, and Russia’s Residual Leverage | Central Asia | 2026-02-16 | 0 | ACCESS » |
| RPT-25 | Li Qiang’s SCO Visit in Russia Signals Beijing’s Push to Lead Eurasian Development | SCO | 2026-01-19 | 1 | ACCESS » |