The diplomatic discourse of Central Asian countries regarding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is examined in this article. The BRI's key features and its historical-philosophical foundations are considered. Due to its reliance on a diverse range of Chinese traditional beliefs and the developed soft power methods and tools, the BRI has a great deal of discursive power. A review of the scientific papers of scientists from Central Asian countries suggests that there is a discrepancy between public and diplomatic discourse in Central Asia. The former expresses a contradictory attitude to the initiative, while the latter emphasizes cooperation. According to the tone fluctuation graphs and word clouds compiled within the discourse-analysis methodology, the relations between Central Asia and China are developing towards cooperation.
diplomatic discourse, Central Asia, China, Belt and Road Initiative, BRI