China is eroding Russia's influence over old allies as the alliance it leads crumbles over Ukraine, expert says

Thu, 09/07/2023 - 05:56

chinese President Xi Jinping and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev shake hands in front of the two countries' flags — Chinese leader Xi Jinping (right) and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev shake hands during a signing ceremony, ahead of the China-Central Asia Summit in Xian, China in May 2023.
REUTERS/Florence Lo/Pool

China's is expanding its influence in Central Asia, and pushing out Russia, an expert said.
Russian influence is waning despite formal alliances and the old ties of the Soviet Union.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine worsened relations with its near allies, boosting China's efforts.

Russian influence over its closest allies is waning as China and Turkey step up their efforts, supplanting a Russia distracted by its invasion of Ukraine.