Documenting China’s Borderlands – Episode 6: In Russia's Shadow

About this episode

This episode explores China's increasing influence in Central Asia amidst Russian interests.

From the National Bureau of Asian Research, an Asia Insight miniseries exploring the geostrategic significance of China’s borderlands, led by Nadège Rolland, Distinguished Fellow for China Studies at NBR. Episode Six: In Russia's Shadow This sixth episode unpacks how China has managed to significantly increase its presence in Central Asia across four key domains (political, economic, people-to-people, and security), in what Russia considers a “region of privileged interests,” part of its so-called “near abroad.” With Bradley Jardine (Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs), Nargis Kassenova (Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University), Edward Lemon (Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs), and Temur Umarov (Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center). Materials cited or referenced in the recording Xi Jinping, “Championing the China-Central Asia Spirit for High Quality Cooperation in the Region,” Speech at the Second China-Central Asia Summit, June 17, 2025. “Wang Yi on Neighborhood Diplomacy: Harmony is Key to a Prosperous Family in All Endeavors,” Press Conference, March 7, 2025. Hu Hao [胡昊] China’s Achievements and Challenges in Promoting the Construction of a…

People in this episode

Host: Nadège Rolland

Guests: Bradley Jardine, Nargis Kassenova, Edward Lemon, Temur Umarov

Topics covered

• China
• Central Asia
• geostrategic significance
• Russia

Keywords

• political
• economic
• people-to-people
• security

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Backlash: China’s Struggle for Influence in Central Asia

Books & works: In Russia's Shadow, Contemporary China and the World, Backlash: China’s Struggle for Influence in Central Asia, Ancient China and Its Enemies, Empires of Ancient Eurasia: The First Silk Roads Era, What Happens to Central Asian Youth

Places: China, Central Asia, Russia, Beijing

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