“Changing economic and geopolitical dynamics are motivating both regions to forge new strategic partnerships. Central Asia is experiencing a period of unprecedented economic sovereignty as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has weakened the country’s influence across the post-Soviet region. While China remains a major economic player in Central Asia, C5 countries are wary of becoming reliant on Chinese finance. Central Asian states see an opportunity to use new relationships to balance against their traditional partners and are aggressively seeking engagement with influential global powers.” Charly Ward, Central Asia: “Unprecedented” Collaboration Moves Beyond Oil [Caspian Policy Center]