China and Russia have experienced a major setback in their global ambitions, with a key player refusing to join a proposed trading bloc. The ambitious nations pledged to form a trading alliance with Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, but Tajikistan has refused to sign on. This proposed trading bloc, dubbed the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), would have made it easier for goods to move across borders between the countries, and increased economic growth by reducing trade tariffs. The EEU was also seen as a major opportunity to help create a powerful Eurasian economic corridor that could rival or even surpass the influence of the European Union. Unfortunately, Tajikistan’s refusal to join the EEU has put a dampener on these plans. Tajikistan is an important regional player in the field of international economic relations, and the country’s refusal to join the partnership has caused a major setback for China and Russia. The main reason for Tajikistan’s refusal to join the bloc is its concerns over the potential of its independence and sovereignty being affected by the EEU’s rules and regulations. Tajikistan is a poor, landlocked nation that relies heavily on foreign aid and assistance, and it is worried that its poverty and dependence on international assistance will be further exacerbated by the EEU’s demands and rules. The refusal of Tajikistan to join the EEU is a major blow to China’s and Russia’s ambition for a unified Eurasian economic corridor. While the countries initially had big plans for the EEU, those plans now seem to have been dashed. With Tajikistan out of the picture, it is unlikely that the other member nations will be able to move forward with their plans for the EEU. When it comes to global ambitions, setbacks such as this can have major repercussions. It remains to be seen what this setback will mean for the future of China and Russia’s plans for a more unified Eurasian economic corridor. For now, it seems that the best option for China and Russia is to respect Tajikistan’s concerns and find an alternate solution.