Russia would find the presence of outside powers in Central Asia unacceptable, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov told an April 28 meeting of defence ministers from the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek.

“We are closely monitoring attempts by non-regional states to establish a military presence and address logistical tasks in Central Asia. We consider this unacceptable,” Belousov said, RIA Novosti reported.

In recent months, both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have stepped up military contacts and cooperation with Nato member Turkey. Russia has military bases in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and relies on a range of military facilities in Kazakhstan.

In Russian pro-state commentary, as noted by The Times of Central Asia, Belousov’s speech was quickly framed not simply as a warning to Washington, but also as a message to ex-Soviet Central Asian partners. Political commentator Natalya Starichkova assessed the statement as “clearly demanding” and contended that it was directed not only at “non-regional states,” but also at SCO and Russia’s Central Asian partners in the Moscow-led Comprehensive Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (apart from Russia the other members are Armenia and Belarus, though Armenia has “frozen” its participation in the defence bloc).

“Some of them have recently been actively exploring participation elsewhere — or showing excessive responsiveness to ‘non-regional’ proposals,” wrote Starichkova.

Her interpretation can be said to reflect a wider Russian anxiety that Central Asian states are widening their diplomatic, economic and defence contacts with other powers, even though they remain strategic partners of Russia.

The 10 SCO members are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus. Turkey is one of a number of dialogue partners. Afghanistan and Mongolia have SCO observer status.

Belousov also relayed Russian concern about Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He reportedly warned that crisis-zone militants could infiltrate neighbouring countries, including territory covered by the SCO.

The defence minister also took the opportunity presented by the SCO gathering to complain about destabilising US activity in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Their efforts to reshape the regional security system into a US-centric model by strengthening military-political structures under Washington’s control provoke tensions, undermine regional stability, and increase the risks of armed conflict,” he said, as reported by RIA Novosti.

China’s position on outside powers creating a military presence in Central Asia was at the SCO meeting couched in more subtle diplomatic language, but there is no doubt that Beijing does not see room for any significant Western military input in Central Asia.

Another SCO member, Iran, as reported by The Times of Central Asia, sent Deputy Defence Minister Reza Talaei-Nik to the Bishkek meeting. He suggested expanded defence cooperation with SCO partners. Tehran, said Talaei-Nik, stood ready to share its defensive capabilities with “independent countries,” especially SCO member states.