China Expands Influence in Central Asia Through Education, Economic Initiatives, and Cultural Diplomacy
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, China is intensifying its influence in Central Asia through a multifaceted approach encompassing education, economic investments, and cultural diplomacy. Over the past decade, global powers like the U.S., the U.K., Turkey, and Israel have deepened their presence in Russia’s backyard, aiming to turn Central Asia into a platform to counter Moscow and Beijing. Recognizing this, China has prioritized diversifying services and fostering regional integration to strengthen its soft power.
China’s educational initiatives include scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year in Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan, funded by Beijing, enabling students to study in Chinese universities. The “Outstanding Youth” program, promoted by Chinese embassies across Central Asia, offers mid-level officials and business managers opportunities for postgraduate studies in China. A delegation from Tajikistan’s State University of Commerce recently visited Xi’an University of Technology to discuss educational exchanges.
Kazakhstan reports that Chinese students constitute a significant portion of its international student body, with 3,367 out of 35,075 foreign students hailing from China. Beyond education, China’s security cooperation with Central Asian nations under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has grown, including recent counter-terrorism drills hosted by Iran.
Economically, China’s footprint is expanding, particularly in Kazakhstan, where investments like Xinjiang Lihua’s $111 million cotton complex and joint ventures with KazMunayGas highlight deepening ties. Air China’s new direct flights between Almaty and Chengdu further boost trade connectivity. Uzbekistan is collaborating with China on over 30 energy projects worth $9 billion, while a new joint program aims to replicate China’s economic reforms in the country.
In Kyrgyzstan, public sentiment toward China remains mixed due to concerns over debt, labor practices, and cultural tensions. The government has countered anti-China rumors and negotiated agricultural export relaxations with Beijing. A $2.3 billion Chinese loan for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, set to shorten transport routes by 900 km, may improve perceptions.
Cultural diplomacy thrives in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, with events like “Culture Days” and infrastructure support for gas fields strengthening bilateral relations. Meanwhile, Iran’s historical and linguistic ties to Central Asia, particularly in Tajik-majority cities, remain an untapped asset for regional influence.
