]et In the heart of Eurasia, a renewed contest for influence is unfolding, drawing in major global powers. The five nations of Central Asia-Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan-long perceived as peripherally important, are now emerging as central to the new geopolitical great game. This modern iteration of 19th-century rivalry is not marked by gunboats and conquest, but by summits, infrastructure deals, diplomatic summits, and critical mineral investments.

Central Asia’s strategic value today stems not only from its geography-landlocked but at the crossroads of East and West-but also from its vast stores of natural resources, especially critical minerals essential to the global green and digital transitions. The region possesses about 40% of the world’s manganese ore, 30% of chromium, 20% of lead, and 10% of titanium. With such a bounty of resources, it is no surprise that China, Russia, the European Union, the United States, Japan, and Turkiye are all actively vying for influence in this increasingly contested zone.

Earlier this month, Beijing underlined its ambitions with the creation of the China-Central Asia Energy and Power Innovation Alliance. This initiative aims to bolster innovation and cooperation in power technology, directly supporting the sustainable development of the region. Yet this is just one prong of China’s broader strategy.

Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has built roads, railways, and pipelines, linking its western provinces to Central Asian capitals. Trade has surged, making China the region’s top trading partner. Beijing has not only economic interests, but also political ones-preferring stable regimes that support development and avoid democratic unpredictability.

Russia’s historical ties to the region are deep-rooted. All five Central Asian nations were once part of the Soviet Union and are now members or associate........

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