The security dynamics between China and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan evolved predominantly through formal diplomatic channels, bilateral agreements, and the institutional framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

 

China has collaborated with regional governments in areas such as counterterrorism, military trainings, and intelligence sharing.

 

Driven primarily by market demand, specifics of the local law system, and adaptation to the security challenges that Chinese enterprises face in the region, this phenomenon may also harbor the potential for the Chinese state to project power in the region should it wish to.

 

Read the commentary on Carnegie Endowments’ website