Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Enter A New Era of Diplomatic Relations

 

Border clashes between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have been taking place for over 30 years. These circumstances relate to how the Soviet Union divided Central Asia. When independence was granted as the result of the Soviet collapse in 1991, the new countries were in conflict. Between 2021 and 2022 the clashes between the two Central Asian states became more lethal. President Emomali Rahmon  and President Sadyr Japarov signed an agreement outlining what the defined borders would be. Since 2022, roads, railway, and air links were closed off. War or regional conflict only undermines the whole of Central Asia. This change in policy should be an example to all countries in the world. Conflict and war spreads while diplomacy is not given much consideration. The challenge is if Tajik and Kyrgyz  citizens will accept a peace settlement. Ethnic hatreds remain in particular areas. President Emomali Rahmon has ruled the country since 1994. Prior to this, he was Chairmen of the Supreme Assembly between 1992 to 1993. His power is immense being increased by constitutional referendums. President Rahmon has more power to maintain peace or disregard a peace settlement. President Sadyr Japarov does not have authoritarian power like other Central Asian leaders. Kyrgyzstan was during the 2000s rotating through various interim presidents. This was the result of the Tulip revolution. A change in administration could effect relations with Tajikistan. For now, the agreement to end hostilities remain intact.      

Renewed Border Clashes Between India and China

China and India are once more engaging in border clashes. This comes as Asia is struggling with other regional tensions. The source of tension is located in Aksai Chin, the Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Demchock, and Arunachal Pradesh. Aksai Chin is controlled by China, but claimed by India. Arunachal Pradesh is controlled by  India, by claimed by China. Gunfire and casualties have been reported. According to BBC News, 20 Indian troops were killed in Ladakh. When the first incident occurred it appeared as if the two regional powers were willing to come to an agreement. Now it appears tensions are escalating. A war between  two powerful Asian nations could have devastating consequences. If China goes to war with India, Pakistan could come to its assistance. India and Pakistan were attempting to improve relations, but so far attempts have failed. A conflict in 2020 would not be the same as the Sino-Indian War in 1962. Disorder in both Pakistan or India could reverberate to Afghanistan. The Taliban has never been defeated and could take advantage of regional conflict. Kashmir already under new strict guide lines for control will also be effected. A China-India war may attracted other world powers to get involved. It is uncertain what exactly the objectives are of both China and India. The border disputes could just remain minor. There was a border fight  in 2017 that  did not escalate. Seeing as the global political situation is different, with China being viewed with more suspicion the issue could be exacerbated.