I do not think can compare the five Central Asian States to Tibet or Xinjiang. You are Russia, but Soviet. Of course, every country needs to respect the bear site, but the bottom line is that bears need to have sufficient strength, then this are different, because the five Central Asian countries is an independent country, if Russia can provide satisfactory conditions, then there will be no big problem, but if Russia can not pay good condition, then the five Central Asian countries will use other countries to balance Russia control. This is the reason for the U.S. influence in Central Asia. In other words, in such conditions, if Russia still wants to keep control, need to transactions and other countries. Even the five Central Asian countries, Russia can not so simple just depends on your own thoughts.
China's advantage is that we do not challenge Russia in the security and internal affairs, China's goal is only resource, and we will provide sufficient investment. Therefore, China and Russia's cooperation is mutual interest. However, it is for this reason that Russia has can not completely as the five Central Asian countries as fully dependent state. you still want to keep your own goals, need to pay.
1. Russia is not against the Central Asian countries trade relations with other countries (even partial cost recovery is to reduce the burden on the Russian budget).
2. U.S. present in the region only by permission. Look at the map. This is a closed region. As you know Russia, China and Iran do not have much desire to indulge in this region the United States. From Afghanistan, the U.S. will fly like a cork from a bottle. Enough to help the right people. U.S. strength in this region tend to zero.
3. Russia has a direct economic aid to the region, both direct and indirect. (A large number of "cheap" labor from Central Asia working in Russia. This is often the only way normal life of their families.)
We compare the British and Russian colonies.
a) England plundered their colonies and grew rich. Along the way, destroying unwanted ethnic groups. (Receive the income from greatness).
b) Most of the colonies of the Russian Empire was losing money. Russia often had to spend money metropolis. To raise the standard of living colonies. Russia did not destroy any nation. As a part of Russia and the Soviet Union lived more than 150 nationalities (with its own culture, religion and language). (Russia had to pay extra for his greatness).
4. Russia provides military support to the Central Asian republics. (Including help with border security).
5. If China wants to replace Russia in the region (in the military sphere). It would deal a blow to the security of the southern borders of Russia. (The whole point of joining the Russian Caucasus and Central Asia. They are:
a) The obstruction of military attacks from these territories (which has brought substantial economic loss to Russia).
b) Removal of the possibility of establishing a military base potential enemies of Russia.
In the case of the transition region under military influence of China. China automatically becomes an enemy of Russia. In this case, the question may arise about the independence of Inner Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Russia currently does not consider China as an adversary. The cost of conflict is very high. However, there are certain limits beyond which China needs to behave cautiously. Sometimes, potential risks are higher than expected profits.
The five-day war with Georgia was a warning of NATO. NATO has gone too far to the east. Sooner or later, NATO will be forced to leave the number of occupied regions. This will be a painful process.