INTERNATIONAL LEGAL REGULATION OF THE “CENTRAL ASIA–CHINA” FORMAT: EVOLUTION, TREATY FRAMEWORK, AND INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS OF COOPERATION
Keywords:
Central Asia, People’s Republic of China, international law, international cooperation, international treaties, SCO, “China-Central Asia” summit, “One Belt, One Road” initiativeAbstract
This article provides a comprehensive examination of the international legal foundations underlying the establishment and development of the “Central Asia–China” format as one of the most dynamically institutionalizing cooperation mechanisms within the “Central Asia Plus” framework. Drawing on an analysis of international treaties, documents of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, outcome documents of the China–Central Asia Summits, bilateral agreements, and official policy documents, the study explores the treaty framework, institutional architecture, and current directions of development of this cooperation mechanism. Particular attention is paid to the international legal nature of the format, the relationship between legally binding international treaties and soft law instruments, as well as the legal mechanisms for implementing cooperation in transport connectivity, trade, investment, energy, the digital economy, industrial cooperation, and sustainable development. The article argues that the “Central Asia–China” format is evolving from a consultative political dialogue into a stable “sui generis” international legal mechanism that combines a treaty-based framework, regular summit diplomacy, and an evolving system of sectoral coordination without establishing a separate international organization. Based on the research findings, scholarly conclusions and practical recommendations are formulated to further improve the international legal regulation of this cooperation format.
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