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Nikola Mikovic
Nikola Mikovic is a freelance journalist, researcher and analyst based in Serbia. He covers mostly the foreign policies of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Nikola primarily focuses on Russia’s involvement in the post-Soviet space, Middle East, and the Balkans.
Both powers are interested in the region’s resources, from natural gas to uranium, and the potential of the trans-Caspian transport route.
The US president seems intent on ending the Ukraine war to focus on issues like China. Washington might hope to turn Moscow against Beijing.
Continuing the war without Beijing’s support and the income from its fossil-fuel exports would be difficult for Moscow.
The once-laughable notion of selling solar power in the Middle East is now a rich vein for China to strengthen its presence in the region.
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Sanctioned by the West and unsure of Russia’s support, Belarus is banking on economic ties with China as Lukashenko plans pre-election visit.
As the centre of global economic activity shifts from West to East, strengthening ties with China will remain one of Kazakhstan’s top priorities.
As Central Asian nations diversify away from Russia, it’s not a given that China or the EU will become dominant powers in the region.
Given the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, a safer trade route might be the one through Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Brics is an informal coalition with no common institutions, with members that do not even share the same views on key geopolitical challenges.
While both countries continue to cooperate on security matters, Beijing is careful to avoid crossing unofficial Western ‘red lines’.
Alexander Lukashenko believes he can maintain strong relations with both China and Russia without having to reduce cooperation with either.
Despite increased Russian oil and gas imports, China’s climate goals and supposed push for lower rates complicate plans for another pipeline.
