Source: https://reconasia.csis.org/competing-visions/
Photo: chinatoday.ru

There is a geoeconomic rivalry for shaping the future of Asia. Regional powers are making ambitious plans to build roads, railways, pipelines and other material infrastructure across the region. Based on official sources, CSIS experts have developed the maps below to illustrate some of these competing concepts. Each map outlines the main infrastructure priorities of the key player. Collectively, these maps foreshadow a rivalry as large as the region itself. As this story develops, this collection will be expanded and updated.

A. The ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) aims to strengthen the material, institutional and interpersonal relationship between its ten member countries. Its General Plan for ASEAN Connectivity until 2025 proposes to connect members of the association through new material and intangible infrastructure. The coastal countries of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore are strengthening the ASEAN Maritime Economic Corridor through port modernization. On the mainland, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam are improving highways within the Greater Mekong Economic Corridor and railways within the ASEAN Railway Corridor, including the Singapore-Kunming Railway Line. Proposals to improve logistics, regulation and digital innovation aim to accelerate the movement of goods, services and people. The ultimate goal — «ASEAN seamless and comprehensive connectivity and integration». . . .

China, China

Announced in 2013, Chinese «Initiative «Belt and road»»formerly known as «One belt — path»It extends across the Eurasian continent in the form of two large-scale directions: based on the sea routes of the Maritime Silk Road of the XXI century and the land Economic Belt of the Silk Road. As a landmark foreign policy project of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the STI is striking both in its ambition and opacity. On the surface, it presupposes a future Eurasia, where all roads lead to Beijing. However, as an open framework, the initiative is less certain. It integrates new and old projects, encompasses an uncertain geographical area, and includes efforts to strengthen both tangible and intangible infrastructure and even cultural ties.

European Union

The European Union (EU) wants to expand its transport network. Its Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) includes nine corridors, five of which stretch into the Eurasian continent and its maritime periphery. These corridors complement the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, the Eastern Partnership and other agreements aimed at deepening political and economic ties with the respective regions. The network could be expanded to include the Arctic in the coming years, reflecting the EU’s ambition to play a role in the region’s development. In 2006, the EU resumed its policy. «Northern dimension» with Russia, Norway and Iceland to promote cooperation in the Arctic and Northern Europe. The EU-China Liaison Platform was established in 2015 to coordinate TEN-T and the China Initiative. «Belt and road».

India, India

India’s vision is mainly focused on increasing connectivity within its borders. Outside, India sees the South Asian Regional Cooperation Association (SAARC) as largely paralyzed. Instead, Modi’s government is focused on creating small groups of neighbors. «coalitions» to support its regional economic objectives. Other efforts reflect India’s geopolitical interests. For example, by developing the Chabahar port in Iran, India intends to bypass Pakistan and gain access to overland routes to Europe and Central Asia. Looking even further, politics «Act in the East» Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to strengthen ties between India and ASEAN countries by giving India’s landlocked northeastern region better access to its southern ports and creating new overland corridors connecting India to Thailand via Myanmar.

Iran, Iran

After years of isolation, Iran is reasserting itself as a bridge between East and West. In 2016, plans were announced to nearly double the rail network by 2025. With its central position in the North-South Transport Corridor stretching from Moscow to Mumbai, Iran aims to become a transit hub. It also plans new east-west connections with its neighbors. — Iraq and Afghanistan. To facilitate trade and transport with Central Asia, Iran joined the Ashgabat Agreement.

Japan

Prioritizing east-west linkages, the Japanese concept stems from years of investment in Southeast Asia, where existing infrastructure reflects the needs of Japanese production chains, especially in maintaining access to the sea. Japan is acting quickly to protect this advantage, and has increased funding for expansion. «High-quality and sustainable infrastructure» in the region through its Partnership for High Quality Infrastructure. Under the ASEAN Master Plan, Japan maintains a number of new land and sea corridors that will increase connectivity between the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has also expanded the country’s diplomatic presence, becoming the first Japanese leader to visit all five Central Asian countries.

Russia, Russia

Russia’s vision combines intangible and material infrastructure. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is Russia’s primary tool for regional economic integration, and officials have suggested linking it to STIs. Consolidating its economic and diplomatic pivot eastward, Russia is entering the Chinese energy market with a series of planned pipelines. In the south, Russia seeks to increase connectivity with Azerbaijan, Iran and India through the North-South Transport Corridor. In the north, Russia is planning additional projects to advance its energy and defense interests as the Arctic becomes more accessible.

Republic

Announced in 2017 by President Moon Jae-in, the vision is north and south. The new northern policy expands South Korea’s cooperation on infrastructure projects, including ports, railways, gas pipelines, power grids and Arctic shipping lanes. Mainly focused on Russia, the New Northern Policy also includes North Korea, Belarus, Ukraine, Mongolia, China and five Central Asian countries. The new southern policy aims to strengthen South Korea’s economic cooperation, including trade and energy infrastructure, with ASEAN countries.

Turkey

Historically, Turkey was a strategic land bridge connecting Asia and Europe, bypassing Russia. Today, Turkey is strengthening this position through major domestic, subregional and transnational infrastructure projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Turkey also plans to build thousands of kilometers of new roads and railways as part of the initiative. «Vision 2023»It will mark a century since its independence. Together, these efforts will expand Turkey’s transport networks and strengthen its links with Asia and Europe.