Hi all,
Welcome back! I took a month off to rest, enjoy the sunshine, and think about the future of Turan Talks. It’s great to be back though. I missed work, I missed Almaty, and I definitely missed talking about Central Asia.
In today’s episode, we’re looking at the evolving relationship between Central Asia and China: neighbours for centuries along the Silk Road, and today major economic partners.
China’s presence is increasingly visible across the region. Chinese-made electric vehicles are becoming more common on the roads, Chinese companies are investing in local businesses and extractive industries, and more young people are choosing to study in China.
Yet research by Edward Lemon and Bradley Jardine found that China is viewed less favourably than any other major power in Central Asia. Why is that? How has Beijing responded to the challenge? And how important is Central Asia to China’s Belt and Road Initiative?
To answer these questions, I’m joined by Ed Lemon, co-author of the recently published book Backlash: China’s Struggle for Influence in Central Asia. Ed is a Research Assistant Professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and President of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs.
I hope you will enjoy this one.
Have a lovely end of the week,
— Agnieszka
