US and China Battle for Influence in Central Asia as Rubio Seals $12 Billion in

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led a large business delegation to Samarkand for talks with ministers from all five Central Asian states. The visit reportedly produced at least 54 business deals worth $12 billion, highlighting U.S.-China competition for economic influence in the region.

Uzbekistan in recent days has served as an octagon of competition between the United States and China over economic influence in Central Asia.  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio led an almost 300-strong American business delegation to the Uzbek city of Samarkand for a business forum, where on October 19, he held talks with the foreign ministers from all five Central Asian states.  Uzbek media, citing the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, reported that the trip yielded at least 54 business deals worth $12 billion, covering…