China and Central Asia: Thirty Years of Cooperation and Good Neighborhood Relations

It is common knowledge, that the choice of foreign policy priorities of any country is influenced by such a factor as geographical location. Historically, Central Asia (CA) has been a zone of active geopolitical and trade and economic interests of China. For centuries, the Silk Road, which crosses the Eurasian continent, passes through Central Asia and connects the trading centre of China with Europe, Asian countries and peoples. The area of Kyrgyzstan is also located at the base of the Great Silk Road, trade caravans passed through medieval cities of Kyrgyzstan, such as Osh, Uzgen, Balasagyn, Suyab, Barskan, Kochkor-Bashi, At-Bashi, Ton. Currently, the Great Silk Road is once again becoming the backbone, the foundation for China's intensified cooperation with Central Asia. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of independent Central Asian countries on the international stage changed the balance of power in the region and led to a strategic partnership and the creation of a new foreign policy structure that meets the needs of the countries and peoples of the region. Consequently, Beijing has changed the strategic aspect of its foreign policy related to Central Asia, viewing the region as an important neighbourhood on which its political and economic security depends.