Oil, gas and Putin's war: Kazakhstan between Russia and China | DW News

Kazakhstan is in a awkward position in international politics. It has a lot of similarities to Ukraine, and traditionally a lot of Russian influence as well. Now, the country has deal with three big power-blocks, the West, China, and Russia. But what about the countries future? Can it balance it's own interests with the interests of these big powers?

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[dwnews]

Correction: We misspelled Joanna Lillis' name in our video - she spells it without an H. Sorry Joanna!

[stanisawdwornik]

Kazakhstan is very IMPORTANT COUNTRY. Peacefull, and Respecting other countries. People are friendly, wise and proud - Very HONEST NATION . I keep for KAZAKHSTAN and KAZAKH NATION

[SailingCartagena]

Lived and worked there for three years, great country, great people. The West needs to treat this emerging country with more interest and respect.

[AnchorsAweighNarooma]

We hope for remaining peace in Kazakhstan ❤❤❤

[aliancemd]

I think all the countries that were in the Soviet Union are sick of Russia, the aggressiveness and corruption it spreads, but not everybody has NATO’s umbrella to say what’s on their mind.

[ericazhou]

I am from China and I visited Kazakhstan last year. My best freind since high school is Kazakh and my boyfriend is also Kazakh. Central Asia is wonderful, yet people rarely get to know its diverse and sophisticated culture. Predominantly all my Chines friends have positive impressions on our Central Asian neighbours.

[ntlineman]

Russia and China need Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan has the power to be a free democratic country if it plays its cards right, it’s greatest enemy is corruption.

[rafaelosorio]

I studied with Kazakhs in UK, decent people.

[izdauov]

In my opinion, no country should act as a "life saver." Every sovereign nation, including ours, does not require help from any external country, whether it's the so-called "West, " China, or Russia.

Providing more weapons to Kazakhstan from the West might be perceived as a threat by Russia or China. Additionally, China's economic influence in Kazakhstan may be viewed as problematic by the West, as both parties profit from Kazakhstan's natural resources. This creates a never-ending cycle of complications.

As Kazakhs, we require only equal and fair treatment in economic, social, political, and security matters. But this is a challenging problem in today's world, where the West sees us as Borats and Kazakhstan as a Kremlin puppet state. Similarly, Russian people take our relationship for granted and misinterpret respect as weakness. Chinese people perceive us as people holding gold but lacking the know-how to turn it into money, so they choose to benefit from it themselves. Although I cannot offer a solution, I propose one thing that can help.

We should NOT discriminate against Kazakhs, or anyone in the world.

[samsungqled]

I am pleasantly surprised to hear how open minded the Kazakh people are, looking out to the world and seeing through all the theater shows that Russia and China put up trying to gain influence in their territory. They are smart to trust none of the 2 big neighbors. I hope their elite plays their cards right in order to maintain peace in their land.

[Miamcoline]

Excellent report. I think that amid all the massive turmoil and hardship we've seen over the last few years, one of the major positives we've seen is a massive increase in respect for and familiarity with the Kazakh, Ukrainian, and Sudanese people for standing up for themselves without any assistance from the world against those who sought to oppress their culture, rights and self-determination. What amazing and brave people.

[baigutov_]

since I am a Kazakh myself, I will say that it is really not easy for Kazakhstan to find itself between the Russian bears and the Chinese dragon. since we used to be part of the USSR, our economy depends on Russia. But now the new generation understands how much pain and suffering the USSR brought to the Kazakh people. this is hunger, war, the execution of Kazakh intellectuals in the 30s, they were taken away and left with nothing. Kazakhstan needs a deep partnership with Europe and the US. thanks to the author of the video for the work! all the best in the world!

[manolsen]

As Kazakh citizen I strongly oppose to China and its influence in Kazakhstan, we all aware what they do Uighur Turks and this is not a secret anymore, even Chinese try to lie and hide the crime they commit against Uighurs.

[mareka]

We in Poland often think that our geographic location between two more powerful and aggressive countries (militarily or economically) is a very unfortunate one but there are other countries in a similar position just like Kazakhstan between Russia and China or Armenia between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

[l_the_first]

It's very important for us here in Kazakhstan (Qazaqstan) to feel this worldwide support!
All our thoughts are now with brotherly Ukranians - we understand that they defend whole world! And we are sure they will crash the backbone of this monster and provide us all with peace and bright future!

[IrtizaNadeem-jtcn]

As someone from this region, I believe you are not highlighting the reaction of Kazakhstan and Central Asia strong enough.
The Central Asian neighbors of Russia are responding just as coldly as European ones.
Just recently an Uzbekistan leader was loudly scolding Putin in front of everyone about Central Asians being Russia's former colonies and Putin looked disturbed.
This situation needs to be highlighted.

[UbermanNullist]

Kazakhstan is a linchpin that could make Russia vulnerable. Europe should pay more attention to Kazakhstan. Maybe Kazakhstan is not so big economy, so Europeans are not interested. But as Kazakhstan gets more support from west, Russia will lose its power.

[mikesamovarov]

I visited Kazahstan for a few months in 1993, what a wonderful country. I feel so sorry they're stuck between Russia and China, with no support from NATO or any other western alliance. Too small to fight both 🇨🇳 and 🇷🇺

[Zaerki]

Man, imagine living next to Russia AND China. What a tough life.

[cadmanjack]

One thing is missing here: main oil plants in Kazakhstan are controlled by US and there is a agreement that US will protect those properties. This was signed at Washington in 90’s.