The article examines the influence of external actors on the processes of integration and regionalization in Central Asia. The authors view Central Asia as a region undergoing reformatting. In their previously published articles, they analyzed intraregional processes that affect integration. In this article, I analyze the role of external actors, namely, global and major regional powers in the formation of the region. The authors note the increased competition from integration projects in the region, especially transport and logistics infrastructure projects. In this regard, the article raises the topic of pairing integration projects proposed by external actors. Using the example of the analysis of attempts to pair the Russian EAEU project and the Chinese one “Belt, One Road”, the authors point to the difficulties of achieving interaction between competing partners. The article notes that in spite of the available resources for using “soft power” in the region, Russia must take into account the growing rivalry on the part of external actors for influence in the region and respond flexibly to emerging challenges.