Central Asia is not only geographically adjacent to China, but the two also share close economic and political relations. Three Central Asian Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan share direct borders with China in its Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Nevertheless, the impact of the coronavirus is visible in all five republics of the region, including Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. In China, more than 3,000 people have died and over 82,000 are infected.[1] The sparsely populated but politically discontented region of Xinjiang reports comparatively lower rate of infection in an environment of ‘controlled’ flow of news and information in China.[2] According to the Situation Report – 54 released by the WHO on 14 March 2020, there were 76 confirmed cases and 3 deaths in Xinjiang region.[3] Concerns were raised about the spread and effect of the virus in this region of China as ‘hundreds of thousands’ of Uyghurs are lodged in enigmatic ‘internment camps’. Chinese authorities call them ‘vocational training centres’.[4]
It seems that the vast territory and sparse population in Xinjiang slowed down the pace of infection in the region. The Central Asian Republics acted quickly and remained immune to infection in the initial period. However, reports of infections in the countries of the region have started trickling in. The infection is mostly due to the arrivals of infected people from abroad. Infections have been reported from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Though the total number of infected people in these republics is not very high, the economic impact could be severe for them in short and long terms. The five countries of the region have been deploying varying measures to cure and check the further spread of the scary virus as the cure is yet to be ascertained.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, which is the ninth largest country in the world, shares Central Asia’s longest border of 1,783 kilometres with China in east. The country also shares 7,591 kilometres long border with Russia in the north and west.[5] Kazakhstan has border crossings with Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. So far, the country has had 348 cases and two deaths.[6] The country has taken strict measures and declared the state of emergency for a month starting March 16, 2020.[7] As the cases have increased, authorities have responded by clamping restrictions on the movement of people in the capital city of Nur-Sultan and the largest city Almaty.[8] Nowruz celebrations and a military parade marking the 75th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany were cancelled. Earlier, the country had suspended issues of visas and stopped entry of travellers from Iran, Italy, China, and Korea, with certain exceptions and quarantine measures.[9]
Kazakhstan is the largest economy of Central Asia and it was already reeling under the prevailing international scenario of slow growth, falling oil prices, protectionist tendencies, and trade and political rivalries of the West of two of its largest neighbours and trading partners – China and Russia. These economic difficulties are likely to carry on for some time before the situation starts to improve.
Kyrgyzstan
Reports suggesting infection of some persons started in southern Kyrgyzstan;[10] so far about 100 cases are confirmed while three patients have recovered.[11] The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic issued an order on 18 March 2020 putting a ban on entry of foreign citizens and stateless persons into the country. It has also suspended the issuance of visas of all categories to foreign citizens for the period of the ban, which will remain in effect until its withdrawal by the government.[12] President Sooronbai Jeenbekov also addressed to the nation on 18 March 2020. He urged citizens not to panic and that only by joint efforts the ‘scourge’ can be defeated. He also assured people of availability of food, medicines and medical products.[13] The country must be readying to face the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. Tourism and remittances are two important sources for the country’s budgeting.
The concern for Kyrgyzstan is the loss of revenues and employment in tourism, hospitality and related sectors. The country has projected itself as a tourist destination and it receives a large number of tourists annually. The total population of Kyrgyzstan is about 6 million and in 2019 it had 8.5 million visitors from various parts of the world.[14] The country's special cap worn by Kyrgyz men – kalpak – had received UNESCO intangible heritage status in December 2019 and an increase in flow of tourists was expected in 2020. Another worry for Kyrgyzstan would be the possible return of migrants, especially from Russia, which has also reported infections.
Tajikistan
Tajikistan, which shares a border of about 495 kilometres[15] with China in the east and has close economic relations with it, has from the beginning been alert about the disease and its spread in the country, closing travel between Tajikistan and China. It also followed a procedure of mandatory quarantine period for people coming from China, including for the diplomats. It was a measure that reportedly caused some tense hours at Dushanbe International Airport. According to Eurasianet website, some Chinese diplomats were held at Tajikistan’s international airport for up to 18 hours as they declined to follow the quarantine procedures in effect in the country in the wake of COVID-19. The matter was sorted out after the involvement of Embassy of China in Tajikistan and the Foreign Ministry of Tajikistan.[16]
Tajikistan has a large diaspora in Russia and the remittances sent by Tajiks from abroad constitute from a third to half of GDP.[17] Reports inform about 1534 cases and 8 deaths from Russia[18] with maximum infections in Moscow and St. Petersburg. These are the two cities/regions where large number of migrants from Central Asia live and work. Tajikistan, and also Kyrgyzstan, may see an influx of people flocking back from Russia. This is further creating a challenging condition for authorities in the region.
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan share no direct borders with China but have close economic and trade relations with it. There were reports of at least two persons infected in Turkmenistan, however, the authorities have denied the reports. Flights to Beijing were suspended since early February 2020.[19] It was also reported that international flights to Turkmenistan have been diverted to land at Turkmenabat instead of capital Ashgabat. The country has also stopped the entry of foreigners from the countries affected by the COVID-19.
The country is confident of control over the pandemic. The President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited Azerbaijan on 11 March 2020. Azerbaijan at that time was infected with 34 cases of COVID-19 and one death.[20] The visiting President held discussions with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Ali Asadov. The Turkmen President attended other ceremonies, including a dinner reception, and visited different places in Baku city. It was not clear if the two Presidents discussed the fallout of coronavirus but Turkmenistan signalled to its Caspian Sea neighbour its desire of strong political relations between the two countries.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is the largest country in the region in terms of population. So far, it has 173 cases of infection and two deaths.[21] Eight people have recovered from the disease.[22] Though Uzbekistan is doubly landlocked, but is the only country in Central Asia which is connected to all other republics in the region and with Afghanistan. The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has established a special commission to deal with the outbreak. The National Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan are organising joint broadcasting of lessons for students. The country is also preparing radical reforms and improvement of the country’s sanitary and epidemiological service.
Currently, about 6,000 people are quarantined in the country. Reportedly, the country had not closed traffic at the border, and trucking did not stop till 18 March 2020. Many foreign and local freight carriers were entering and leaving the country at least till March 18.[23] The borders were closed from 23 March 2020 'except foreign citizens leaving the country and international cargo-haulers'.[24] People have been asked to wear masks in public or pay fine. In his address to the people, the President urged people to follow the recommendations of doctors, and said that measures were being taken to prevent the price rise of food and other consumer goods.
Response from region, SCO
The five Central Asian Republics have reacted to the COVID-19 epidemic based on their own conditions and priorities. Regional cooperation has been gathering steam in Central Asia in last couple of years. Two consultative meetings of the regional leaders were held in 2018 and 2019. Many of the Central Asian Republics are facing economic challenges and their health system was also under stress. A collective response to epidemic can be much more effective in Central Asia.
The outbreak presents an opportunity for South Asia and Central Asian regions to cooperate, coordinate and control the fallout of the COVID-19 on the two regions. India can mobilise its human and medical resources and explore sending a goodwill medical mission as a measure to strengthen people to people bonding and boost the morale of the masses in our neighbourhood of Central Asia. There are many Indian medical practitioners who have received their education and training in Central Asian countries. They have the unique advantage of knowing the language, people and the region and can find solace in paying back to that society, which helped nurturing their careers. It can emerge as a novel platform for inter-regional cooperation.
At the greater regional cooperation level, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) can provide a platform for cooperation. Besides China where the outbreak originated, almost all SCO members, observers and dialogue partners are affected and have people infected with COVID-19. The SCO Secretary-General, Vladimir Norov, had praised the measures taken in China that 'the resolute and effective measures' have produced a 'concrete positive result'.[25] He said that SCO countries are supporting each other and 'sharing experience, methods and views on combating this novel disease.'[26] A news report dated 13th March says that the SCO Secretariat has formulated multiple proposals and sent them to the SCO member states providing for 'creating a multilateral information system in the event of a dangerous infectious disease that can potentially grow into an epidemic.'[27]
Though the organisation reportedly has multiple 'cooperation mechanisms' to fight such challenges, a pan-SCO initiative to effectively deal with coronavirus threat is yet to emerge. A mechanism of coordination and sharing of knowledge could be quickly developed to effectively contribute in treatment of the infected and to contain the spread of the virus to the healthy people in the SCO area.
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*Dr. Athar Zafar, Research Fellow, Indian Council of World Affairs.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are that of the Researcher and not of the Council.
Endnotes
[1] World Health Organization, "Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report – 72," 1 April 2020, https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200401-sitrep-72-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=3dd8971b_2 , accessed 3 April 2020
[2] Reporters Without Borders, “Even tighter control”, Press Freedom Index, https://rsf.org/en/china, accessed 19 March 2020
[3] World Health Organization, “Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report – 54,” 14 March 2020,
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200314-sitrep-54-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=dcd46351_8, accessed 18 March 2020
[4] Aljazeera, “Exiled Uighurs fear spread of coronavirus in China camps,” AFP News Agency, 13 February 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/exiled-uighurs-fear-spread-coronavirus-china-camps-200213081556968.html , accessed 18 March 2020
[5] President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, “The Republic of Kazakhstan,” 2020, https://www.akorda.kz/en/republic_of_kazakhstan/kazakhstan, accessed 18 March 2020
[6] World Health Organization, "Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report – 72," 1 April 2020, https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200401-sitrep-72-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=3dd8971b_2 , accessed 3 April 2020
[7] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, “On restriction on entry to and exit from Kazakhstan,” Updated at : 15.03.2020, 23:15, http://mfa.kz/en/content-view/-3580, accessed 17 March 2020
[8] Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, “COVID-19: Kazakhstan Locks Down Two Main Cities; Iran Warns Virus Could Kill 'Millions',” 17 March 2020, https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-puts-restrictions-on-public-and-private-events-amid-spike-in-coronavirus-cases/30492284.html, accessed 18 March 2020
[9] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, “The measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” 12 March 2020, http://mfa.kz/en/content-view/-3503, accessed 17 March 2020
[10] Tatyana Kudryavtseva, “Coronavirus in Kyrgyzstan: Ban on entry into country introduced from March 19,” 24.kg news agency, 18 March 2020, https://24.kg/english/146951_Coronavirus_in_Kyrgyzstan_Ban_on_entry_into_country_introduced_from_March_19/, accessed 18 March 2020
[11] Maria Orlova, “Ministry of Health tells about first recovered from coronavirus in Kyrgyzstan,” 24.kg news agency, 30 March 2020, https://24.kg/english/148535_Ministry_of_Health_tells_about_first_recovered_from_coronavirus_in_Kyrgyzstan/, accessed 30 March 2020
[12] Tatyana Kudryavtseva, “Coronavirus in Kyrgyzstan: Ban on entry into country introduced from March 19,” 24.kg news agency, 18 March 2020, https://24.kg/english/146951_Coronavirus_in_Kyrgyzstan_Ban_on_entry_into_country_introduced_from_March_19/, accessed 18 March 2020
[13] Baktygul Osmonalieva, “Coronavirus in Kyrgyzstan: Sooronbai Jeenbekov addresses Kyrgyzstanis,” 24.kg news agency, 18 March 2020, https://24.kg/english/146970_Coronavirus_in_Kyrgyzstan_Sooronbai_Jeenbekov_addresses_Kyrgyzstanis/, accessed 18 March 2020
[14] Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, "Kyrgyzstan gaining popularity as tourism destination: Kyrgyz Tourism Minister," 15 January 2020, http://www.ficci.in/pressrelease-page.asp?nid=3600, accessed 18 March 2020
[15] Ministry of foreign affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, "State border of the Republic of Tajikistan with the People’s Republic of China," 1 March 2013, https://mfa.tj/en/main/view/150/state-border-of-the-republic-of-tajikistan-with-the-peoples-republic-of-china, accessed 18 March 2020
[16] Eurasianet, "Tajikistan: Chinese diplomats snarled in anti-coronavirus measures," 11 February 2020, https://eurasianet.org/tajikistan-chinese-diplomats-snarled-in-anti-coronavirus-measures, accessed 18 March 2020
[17] The World Bank, “Country Partnership Framework for Tajikistan 2019-2023,” 12 April 2019, p. 1, http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/962981557781100857/pdf/Tajikistan-Country-Partnership-Framework-for-the-Period-of-FY19-FY23.pdf, accessed 19 March 2020
[18] Aljazeera, “Coronavirus: Which countries have confirmed cases?,” 18 March 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/countries-confirmed-cases-coronavirus-200125070959786.html, accessed 18 March 2020
[19] Marat Gurt, " Turkmenistan Airlines suspends air link with Beijing over virus outbreak," Reuters, 1 February 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/china-health-turkmenistan-flights/turkmenistan-airlines-suspends-air-link-with-beijing-over-virus-outbreak-idUSR4N29W02C, accessed 30 March 2020
[20] Aljazeera, “Coronavirus: Which countries have confirmed cases?,” 18 March 2020, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/countries-confirmed-cases-coronavirus-200125070959786.html, accessed 18 March 2020
[21] World Health Organization, "Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report – 72," 1 April 2020, https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200401-sitrep-72-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=3dd8971b_2 , accessed 3 April 2020
[22] Uzbekistan National News Agency, "8 people recovered from COVID-19 in Uzbekistan." 1 April 2020, http://uza.uz/en/society/8-people-recovered-from-covid-19-in-uzbekistan-01-04-2020, accessed 1 April 2020
[23] Pravda Vostoka, “President addresses people in connection with coronavirus situation,” Press Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 18 March 2020, https://www.pv.uz/en/news/prezident-koronavirus-bilan-bogliq-vaziyat-boyicha-xalqqa-murojaat-qildi, accessed 20 March 2020
[24] Business Insider, "The Latest: Uzbekistan closes border, adds masks requirement," Associated Press, 22 March 2020, https://www.businessinsider.com/the-latest-uzbekistan-closes-border-adds-masks-requirement-2020-3?IR=T, accessed 1 April 2020
[25] Shanghai Cooperation Organization, " SCO praises China’s measures against coronavirus," 13 March 2020, http://eng.sectsco.org/news/20200313/640134.html, accessed 1 April 2020
[26] Shanghai Cooperation Organization, "SCO considers rapid response measures to infectious disease outbreaks," 13 March 2020, http://eng.sectsco.org/news/20200313/640138.html, accessed 1 April 2020
[27] Shanghai Cooperation Organization, "SCO considers rapid response measures to infectious disease outbreaks," 13 March 2020, http://eng.sectsco.org/news/20200313/640138.html, accessed 1 April 2020