NEWSLINK: “Beijing stirs up Russia’s backyard” – bne Intellinews

“An invisible wedge has been growing between Russia and its Central Asian neighbours since Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine …. The unease is most particularly tangible in Astana. Any statements made by Russian officials that appear to put in question the statehood Kazakhstan gained after it was granted independence from the USSR prompt collective gasps. At the same time, China has been on a charm offensive in the region to promote its ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) vision. …”