As Russia’s economy stagnates, rising China is challenging its influence over Central Asia.
![Pipeline infrastructure has been an important factor in Russia's dealings with Central Asia [Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/201422592638305734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)

Baktybek Beshimov is a Visiting Professor, at the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University and a Visiting Scholar at the MIT Center for International Studies.
As Russia’s economy stagnates, rising China is challenging its influence over Central Asia.
![Pipeline infrastructure has been an important factor in Russia's dealings with Central Asia [Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/201422592638305734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)