With Kazakhstan moving away from Russia and into China’s orbit and protection, Central Asia seems to be slipping away from Russia’s influence. With events in Ukraine, they are going to see China as not only the financial, but the sole military super power of the region. While Putin supporters were predicting the imminent demise of NATO, it’s the CSTO that appears to be collapsing as Russia’s power evaporates. China’s Belt and Road, along with massive investments involved, aka debt, will cement them as Chinese satellites.
I cannot find fault with your assessment.
Yes, indeed. Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine empowers China/CCP - coupled with the US’s disastrous pullout in Afghanistan and the message that sent, the CCP is able to send the message they are the only rising power and the “old powers” are dying - side with them as the US’s days are fading, and Russia is weak as well.