Rethinking Chinese involvement in infrastructure building in Russia and Kazakhstan under the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) announced by China in 2013 can significantly contribute to the fulfillment of Russia’s and Kazakhstan’s transit potential. Chinese investments in their transport and logistics infrastructure are mainly channeled into the construction of pipelines, railways, roads and hubs. However, the bilateral transport and logistics cooperation between Moscow and Nur-Sultan - members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) - with Beijing prevails and might hamper the emergence of the EAEU-China inclusive dialogue. On the other hand, such flexibility has allowed Kazakhstan to outperform Russia in the infrastructure construction supported by the Chinese investors. However, fulfillment of Russia’s and Kazakhstan’s transit potential taking into account the EAEU and BRI prospects is subject to the implementation of common norms, approaches and regulations in the transit transport area as well as creation of regional hubs.